'Best Before' and 'Use By' Dates
All food items must carry a date of durability.
'Best before' date
'Best before' is the date up to and including when (providing the food has been stored correctly) the manufacturer expects the food to remain at peak quality.
Food may still be edible after this date, but its appearance and quality could have deteriorated, so the food will no longer be at its best. 'Best before' dates are usually used on foods that last longer, such as frozen, dried or canned foods. Although it is generally safe to eat food after the 'best before' date has expired, eggs should not be used after the 'best before' date. This is because eggs can contain salmonella bacteria, which could start to multiply after this date. Some food labels also give instructions such as 'eat within a week of opening' and it is important to follow these instructions.
'Display until' date
'Display until' and 'sell by' dates are instructions for shop staff to tell them when they should take a product off the shelves.
'Use by' date
'Use by' means exactly that - you shouldn't use any food or drink after the end of the 'use by' date shown on the label.
Foods that have a 'use by' date must be removed from sale once that date has passed. Even if it looks and smells fine, using it after this date could put your health at risk and cause food poisoning. You will usually find a 'use by' date on food that goes off quickly, such as milk, soft cheese, ready-prepared salads and smoked fish. Its also important to follow any storage instructions given on food labels, otherwise the food might not last until the 'use by' date. Usually food with a 'use by' date needs to be kept in the fridge.
Foods that have a 'use by' date must be removed from sale once that date has passed.
Contact Trading Standards with any concerns or queries:
