One of the most common questions when buying food is how to check its expiration date. Do expired food products have very bad effects on human health? These questions are common questions. The reason for that is two very important factors: The reason for that is two essential factors: we should consider food waste or focus on the part where expired food may harm our bodies.
Expiry dates of food and cosmetics are a vital issue in our daily lives. These dates play a significant role not only in the health of consumers but also in preventing material spoilage. By reading this article prepared by the Vera team, you can find out your questions about the use-by date and expiration of food products.
Expiry date history:
The concept of expiration date was first proposed in the 19th century. At that time, manufacturers used chemical ideas to preserve products. However the concept of expiration date was officially defined in the 1970s by the World Health Organization.
Concept of expiration date:
The expiration date indicates the date that the manufacturer of the product determines as a valid time to use the product. This date indicates the maximum period that the product will maintain its desired quality.
Importance of expiration date:
Expiration dates are critical in preventing the consumption of spoiled products. Consuming expired products not only endangers personal health but can also lead to serious health complications. Therefore, knowing the expiration date and observing it is very important, which is related to the health of consumers.
Microorganisms such as fungi, yeasts, and bacteria can multiply and cause food spoilage. Viruses cannot grow in food and do not spoil it.
Two types of bacteria can be found in food: bacteria that cause diseases caused by food and spoilage bacteria that do not cause disease but cause food to spoil and give unpleasant characteristics such as taste or smell to food and make the food unhealthy. When the spoilage bacteria have food sources (food), humidity, time, and temperatures, these conditions allow bacteria to multiply and affect the quality of food. Food spoilage can occur quickly if food is not stored or handled properly. Discoloration of meat or chicken does not indicate spoilage.
How do date manufacturers determine the best product quality?
Factors such as the duration and temperature of product storage during distribution and supply to the store, product characteristics, and type of packaging affect how long the product will be at its best quality. Manufacturers and sellers consider these factors and determine the date of the best product quality based on them.
Date of food products is a method applied by the manufacturer or retailer on the packaging of food products. In this method, there are two types of dating. “Open date” is a calendar date applied by a manufacturer or seller to a product that provides consumers with information about the estimated time the product will be at its best, and helps the seller determine how long to display the product for sale. A “pack date” is a code applied by manufacturers to products to indicate the date and time of manufacture.
For example, sausages are formulated using specific ingredients used to maintain product quality or fresh meat packaged in a modified sprouting packaging system that helps the product stay as fresh as possible. Due to the way they are formulated or packaged, these products will usually last longer as the best quality.
The quality of perishable products may change after the date has passed, but if the product is stored properly, it will still be safe and healthy. Consumers should evaluate the quality of the product before consuming it to determine if the product shows signs of spoilage or not.
What kind of food products are dated?
There is an open date on most products including meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. The “close by date” is displayed as a type of code on products such as cans and boxes of shelf-stable food.
Expiry dates on food
Food after the expiration date may pose health risks. Some products, such as milk and dairy products, meat and seafood, and products with fermented components, should be consumed carefully. Using these products after the expiration date may harm the health of the consumer.
Expiry dates on cosmetic products
In cosmetic products, using products after the expiration date may cause skin complications or other allergies. Some products, such as face creams, lotions, and sunscreen products, must be used within the specified time to protect the effectiveness and safety of the consumer.
Current challenges and problems
Today, the food and cosmetics market is facing many challenges. One of these challenges is appropriate and accurate expiration dates for products. Companies must ensure that their products have not expired too soon and are still safe for consumption. Failure to comply with this issue can harm the health of consumers.
Solutions and suggestions
To solve these problems, companies can consider using new technologies such as barcode and tracking systems, smart and active packaging, gas detection sensors, etc. Also, consumer awareness is important. Education on reading and understanding expiration dates can be helpful so consumers can choose safe and fresh products.
At the end of this article, we can conclude that expiration dates are very important in food and cosmetics. Consumers should always check these dates and not use expired products. Also, manufacturers are required to ensure the accuracy and quality of their products and provide correct information about expiration dates.