Distinguishing Between Best Before & Use By Dates

Best before and Use by dates are intended to indicate the shelf life of a particular product. Shelf life refers to the amount of time that perishable items, such as food, drink, and medicine, can be stored before they are considered unsuitable for sale, consumption, or usage. In some regions, it is mandatory to include a Best Before or Use By date on packages to inform consumers about the recommended storage duration for these products.

What does ‘Best before’ mean?

Best Before is a date that appears on various food products, such as tinned, dried, or processed items. These dates serve as advice and pertain to the product’s quality after the Use By date has expired. Once the Best Before date has passed, the food is considered unsafe for consumption. However, it is important to note that a third of food bought in markets is wasted while still edible. In fact, consuming food after the Best Before date has passed does not necessarily mean it is harmful to eat. It may simply lose its optimal flavor and texture. Eggs are an exception, as they should not be eaten past the Best Before date due to the presence of salmonella, which can increase over time.

What does ‘Use by’ mean?

Food products with a Use By date on their packaging should not be eaten after the specified date has passed. This is because such foods can spoil quickly and may be dangerous or harmful to one’s health if consumed. It is also essential to follow storage instructions for these items, such as refrigerating them once opened. In contrast, foods with a Best Before date are safe to eat even after the date has passed, although their flavor, texture, or nutritional value may have deteriorated.

Key Takeaways

• Best Before dates indicate the period during which a product maintains its optimal quality, while Use By dates specify the time after which a product should not be consumed due to potential spoilage.
• Consuming food past its Best Before date may result in a decline in flavor, texture, or nutrition, but it is not necessarily harmful to one’s health.
• Food products with a Use By date should not be eaten after the specified date as they can spoil quickly and become dangerous or harmful to one’s health.