Who Consumes Food In Recommended 3 Days?

[pastafreak]

EEZABLADE32's sauerkraut query reminded me of my own question.
I've noticed more and more food items stating they are to be consumed within 3 days of opening. This first grabbed my attention on blocks of cheddar and quite a few other things. Singles like me would find this impossible.
As it is, I'll find myself eating some items day...after day...after day. All in an attempt to reduce the risk of a bad tummy. Not that I'm one to go into panic mode as the dreaded 'use by' date creeps up on me. But I know some people are quite capable of throwing still good food in the bin.
Is this another sneaky attempt to make us buy/waste more food?
Not that I'm a cynic, mind you.

[DTCwordfan]

my thought too - anywhere in the chain....and they were cooked ones. That's the only potential source that I can pin down.....

[dave50]

I don't take much notice of the use by dates. I use my own judgement, if it smells and looks OK then I eat it. Can't remember when I last had an upset tummy. Can't imagine how my grandma managed without all these guidelines!

[1ozzy]

Major food suppliers cover themselves with their use by dates to ensure they can't be held responsible by those that are stupid enough to realise something is off.