4 Facts You Need to Know About the Expiration Date
Each packaged food product must include an expiration date. The expiration date is the safe limit for the food consumed. If past that date, the food becomes unfit for consumption. But, do you really understand what is meant by the expiration date? It could be that your assumption is wrong so far, for that find out more about expiration here.
1. Some terms for expiration dates
There are several terms that indicate the expiration date on each food product. What you need to know is the meaning of each of these terms can be different. Such as the following:
2. The "best before" date for unopened products
Often times you see food products with a "best before" or "good use before" date, this date only applies to unopened products. If the product has been opened and you have saved it, then you are not advised to refer to this date.
Food that has been opened will be more likely to be contaminated (for example from the air). Thus, the quality of the food may decline before the "best before" date, especially if the food is not stored properly. Texture, taste, freshness, aroma, and nutrient content in food can change after being exposed to air for a long time.
To prevent food quality from decreasing or moldy food, you should immediately use the food products that you have opened. Or, if not, you should store the food product properly according to the instructions listed on the package.
3. Foods that have passed the "best before" date can still be consumed
The date "best before" or "better used before" refers to food quality, not food safety. So, if the date has passed but the food quality is still good, then you can still consume the food. This is different from the date of "expiration" which refers more to food safety.
For example, you can consume milk and yogurt safely until 2-3 days after the "good use before" date. But, with a note, the product packaging has not been opened and the quality of milk can still be received. If you have doubts about these foods, you should just throw them away.
4. But, there are some characteristics to watch out for
Foods that are vulnerable to contamination should not be used after the "good before" or "best before" date. Some of these foods are like fresh fish, shellfish, and meat.
The important thing is to pay attention to your food before use, especially if the food has passed the "best before" date. In general, if food has changed color, texture, taste, or smell, it means that the food is not safe to eat. Food packaging that has been damaged (especially canned packaging) can also indicate that food is not safe for consumption.
1. Some terms for expiration dates
There are several terms that indicate the expiration date on each food product. What you need to know is the meaning of each of these terms can be different. Such as the following:
- The "sell by" date, which means how long this product can be displayed in the store. So, you as a consumer should buy the product before the due date. However, the food product is still safe to eat a few days after this date as long as the storage is correct and the condition of the product is still good (including freshness, taste, and consistency). "Sell by" is the last date that the product is at the highest level of quality.
- The date "best if used by" or "best before", means that food products are well consumed before that date because the quality (regarding freshness, taste, and texture) is very good before that date. For example, bread has passed that date but the quality is still good (not moldy), then the bread can still be consumed.
- Date "use by", meaning this is the last date the product should be used. After this date, product quality (including taste and texture) will decrease.
- The expiration date or "expiration", often abbreviated as "exp" means the product will no longer be consumed after this date, the food should be discarded immediately. This is a date related to food safety. Usually listed in canned or packaged foods.
2. The "best before" date for unopened products
Often times you see food products with a "best before" or "good use before" date, this date only applies to unopened products. If the product has been opened and you have saved it, then you are not advised to refer to this date.
Food that has been opened will be more likely to be contaminated (for example from the air). Thus, the quality of the food may decline before the "best before" date, especially if the food is not stored properly. Texture, taste, freshness, aroma, and nutrient content in food can change after being exposed to air for a long time.
To prevent food quality from decreasing or moldy food, you should immediately use the food products that you have opened. Or, if not, you should store the food product properly according to the instructions listed on the package.
3. Foods that have passed the "best before" date can still be consumed
The date "best before" or "better used before" refers to food quality, not food safety. So, if the date has passed but the food quality is still good, then you can still consume the food. This is different from the date of "expiration" which refers more to food safety.
For example, you can consume milk and yogurt safely until 2-3 days after the "good use before" date. But, with a note, the product packaging has not been opened and the quality of milk can still be received. If you have doubts about these foods, you should just throw them away.
4. But, there are some characteristics to watch out for
Foods that are vulnerable to contamination should not be used after the "good before" or "best before" date. Some of these foods are like fresh fish, shellfish, and meat.
The important thing is to pay attention to your food before use, especially if the food has passed the "best before" date. In general, if food has changed color, texture, taste, or smell, it means that the food is not safe to eat. Food packaging that has been damaged (especially canned packaging) can also indicate that food is not safe for consumption.
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