I thought it was time to bring a little
(in)sanity back to this thread by answering Celadon's original query concerning the need for sell by date(s) on cartons of sour cream.
Having given miniscule thought and conducted even less research into this unfathomable question, I submit the following dissertation in my pursuit of an award of a PhD. (Philosophical Drivel).
Clearly, the inclusion of sell/use by dates on sour cream is a misguided ploy by producers to persuade us to throw away "outdated" cartons and then to buy more.
Have they not heard the old adage "never throw anything away - everything has a use once in seven years". I never throw anything away and my 1950's kitchen cabinet, which now lives in the garage, is full of old screws, tap washers, dubious fuses, electrical fittings, bicycle chain links - you name it - I've got it. The same goes for sour cream.
I have discovered that out of date sour cream is extremely good for acne, boils, excema and psoriasis - each of which have proliferated greatly since I ditched the E45 and started using sour cream.
Also, sour cream more than three months out of date works well as a sun screen, having a UV factor of at least 100. It works so well that it not only prevents the skin from tanning, it actually creates a distinct palour. It is even rumoured (or so it is alleged) that it was persistent use of outdated sour cream that brought about the change of skin colour of an American entertainer who wished to look like his children!
Taking all of the above into account, I now have to acknowledge that it might just be possible - with a considerable stretch of the imagination - that the sell by date is not solely a commercial ploy by producers after all.
Thanks for the stimulation Celadon!
Colin