Shoppers are being urged to check the date marks on food before they buy.
Council staff are worried shoppers and retailers may be confused by the difference between "Use By" and "Best Before" dates.
The warning has been issued by environmental health officers and Oxfordshire Trading Standards officers.
"Sell By" dates were replaced by "Use By" and "Best Before" dates in 1991. "Best Before" dates are used on products which have a long shelf-life and is the date until which the manufacturers expect the food to remain at its peak quality.
It is not illegal to sell food beyond the "Best Before" date unless it has become so old that its quality is unacceptable.
The "Use By" date is used on highly perishable food, such as fresh meat. These foods can deteriorate quickly and become unsafe to eat.
It is an offence to sell food beyond its "Use By" date.
Anyone who discovers food which is on sale beyond its "Use By" date or has any concerns about food safety or quality should contact either the district council's environmental services department or Trading Standards on 01865 815000.
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