Formula near its sell by date - would you buy it

[JumeirahJane]

I just bought some HiPP organic milk formula reduced by approx 40% in my local store, as it is close to its sell by date (22 Jan). But now I'm having second thoughts. If I use it within a couple of weeks, would this pose any risk to my DD? (So far she's been EBF, but I need to get her used to occasionally taking a bottle, and expressing just isn't working for me.) I read somewhere that sell by dates are only for retail use, and do not have any bearing on actual food safety.

Cash is short at the mo, so any saving like this are extremely tempting. Should I use it?

ps I've read threads about it being illegal to discount infant formula etc, and can see it is an emotive subject, however this is in UAE, and was a store discount, not a manufacturer's promotional discount, so no discussions regarding this pls, my query is about food safety.

You've spent the money either way. I would not take the risk of giving expired anything to a baby.

I would only use it before the use by date (ie in next three days) even though I doubt a day or two will make any difference. Is 22 Jan a sell by date, use by date or best before date? I use things after their best before date if they are for adults and are not meat / fish / dairy etc, (ie like a packet of biscuits or crisps etc) but wouldn't want to risk giving out of date stuff to a baby tbh.

If it's a sell by date, I would use it. If it's best before date, I'd use it.
If it's a use by date, I would not use it.

What a minefield of very similar terms. It's a Best Before date not an expiry date per se, and the instructions are to use any opened sachet within 21 days - fair enough. I think I have my answer. Thanks.

Yes then, I'd use it.

If it is a powdered milk product I think it is doubtful that it could cause harm, however, the nutrients may well have deteriorated, so it would probably be ok if used sparingly but I wouldn't use it to exclusively feed a baby if that makes sense!

Ready to feed I would taste and see what it seemed like.