Differences Between ‘Expiry Date’, ‘Use Before’ And ‘Best Before’ On Food Labels

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. Thisis 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 thiscan 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 thisare 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.

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Toshiba Turns 95 with a Giant Fridge, Big Vibes & A Spot in the Malaysia Book of Records

Who says anniversaries are just cake and candles? For Toshiba’s 95th Anniversary Dealer Convention, it… Read More

2 days ago

Resorts World Sentosa’s Singapore Oceanarium Introduces New Experiences As Ticket Sales Go Live

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS, 圣淘沙名胜世界) has announced that ticket sales have launched for Singapore Oceanarium… Read More

2 days ago

Barista Brews at Prices You Won’t Believe Exist

Think handcrafted coffee always comes with a hefty price tag? Think again. Across Malaysia, cafés… Read More

2 days ago

POCO Introduces POCO F7: Where Futuristic Design Meets Exceptional Power

POCO, a leading technology brand among young tech enthusiasts, today unveiled POCO F7, setting a… Read More

2 days ago

Proton Owners Hit the Road for Wellness: AG Autoworld x Herbal Farmer Flag Off First-Ever Fun Drive in Johor

What do you get when you mix wellness, good vibes, and 30 Proton cars? A… Read More

2 days ago

OMSMC Earns Spot in Newsweek’s Global Hospital Rating 2025

Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre (OMSMC) has been listed in Newsweek’s Global Hospital Rating 2025,… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.