‘Best before’ and ‘Use-by’ dates – what’s the difference?

Contributing to food waste is confusion about the meaning of “best before” and “use-by” dates.

Do you know what these terms mean? In the Pantry, you will find many items which have passed their “best before” dates.  You’ll also find some frozen food items which have been rescued frozen from the supermarkets but have passed their “use by” dates. These have been frozen before they go out of their “use by” date.

 The Food Authority of NSW sets out some useful guidance on the difference between ‘Best before’ and ‘Use-by’ dates.

 Use-by dates

 ‘Use-by’ means the date, which signifies the end of the estimated period, if stored in accordance with any stated storage conditions, after which the intact package of food should not be consumed because of health and safety reasons. It is illegal to sell food, which has passed its ‘use-by’ date:

A ‘use-by’ date tells the consumer the date by which the food must be eaten or thrown away. Food may be unsafe to eat after the ‘use-by’ date expires, even though spoiling may not be visible. Nutrients in the food may become unstable after the ‘use-by’ date expires, which can have an adverse effect on the health of people who are ill or unable to eat typical food.

Examples of foods frequently marked ‘use-by’ include perishables such as ready-to-eat chilled foods like smoked salmon, sliced ham, some small goods and shaved meats. They also include special dietary foods that provide the sole source of nutrition.

‘Best before’ date

 ‘Best before’ means the date which signifies the end of the period during which the intact package of food, if stored in accordance with any stated storage conditions, will remain fully marketable and will retain any specific qualities for which express or implied claims have been made.

 Foods marked ‘best before’ are safe to be consumed after that date provided the food is otherwise fit for human consumption. These foods can be expected to retain their colour, taste, texture and flavour, provided they have been stored correctly.

 Foods date marked ‘best before’ may be sold after this date, provided the food is not deteriorated or perished.

 Examples of foods frequently marked ‘best before’ include canned foods, cereals, biscuits, sauces, chocolate, sugar, flour and frozen foods.