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Use by / best before dates

 
Ignore 'display by', just follow the 'use by' and 'best before' dates.

Use by dates

'Use By' labels are placed on fresh produce that can deteriorate and even become unsafe to eat over short time periods eg. fish, fresh meat, meat products and milk.

Advice for consumers on use by dates:

  • even if the food or drink looks and smells fine, don't use it
  • the 'Use By' date can only be a valid guide if you follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For example, milk will go off a lot quicker if you do not keeps it refrigerated.
  • the term 'Use By' does not necessarily mean 'Eat By', if the food is suitable, it's life can often be extended by freezing it.
  • make sure you always follow relevant cooking/preparing/storage instructions as stated on the packaging.
  • beware, some products may have a specific 'Use By' date but if it is opened, must be consumed within a certain time. However, if the 'Use By' date is tomorrow, you must consume the product by the end of tomorrow.

Best before dates

'Best Before' dates tend to appear more on more stable or non-perishable goods, such as canned, frozen and dried produce.

Advice for consumers on best before dates:

  • 'Best Before' dates refer more to the quality rather than the safety of the product and indicate a date up until which a food will stay at a reasonable eating quality.
  • the 'Best Before date can only be a valid guide if you follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
To enjoy the food at it's best, be sure to adhere to these instructions.

Other dates

Other dates that may be marked next to the 'Use By' or 'Best Before' dates may be the 'Display until' dates which are merely there to help shops with stock control and are of no relevance to shoppers.

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