Every food product ever made in this world that involves food either dry or even wet must have specific labels that state the duration of the food is suitable for use. But if anyone ever notices, there are actually 3 different types of terms that are often used by food manufacturers. The 3 types are the ‘Expire Date’, ‘Use Before / Use By’ and also the ‘Best Before’.
It is very important for everyone to understand the different types of dates and also advice on different food packaging that are made. The differences for these 3 terms are:
1) ‘Expiry Date’
Picture: Google
‘Expiry Date’ refers to the expiration date of the food which is also means it is the deadline for the food product to be used. If it is beyond the shown date, the food product can no longer be used by anyone. This label is commonly used in liquid food products as well as formula milk. Expiration dates tell the consumers the last day a product is safe to consume.
2) ‘Use Before/Use By’
Picture: Google
The term ‘use before/use by’ means that the product made can only be eaten until the specified date. If it is beyond that date, food is at risk of spoilage and is no longer safe to use. Products with this label can be eaten or frozen until the date stated only. Among them are frozen products such as meat, fish, and salads. This date on food is actually about the safety of consumption for a human beings. This is the most important date to remember. For the ‘use before/use by’ date to be a valid guide, the storage instructions must be carefully followed.
3) ‘Best Before’
Picture: Google
The term ‘best before’ is about the quality of the foods. This ‘best before’ product only refers to the best quality of the product. Meaning, foods that exceed the ‘best before’ date are still safe to eat. Foods that use this label are usually dry foods, canned foods, and frozen foods. The ‘best before’ date guarantees certain properties of the product to be effective up to this point. Once the date has passed, it may just lose its freshness, taste, aroma, or nutrients. But it does not necessarily mean that the food is no longer safe to eat.
Sources: Food Standards Agency, FreshMag.
