Dates on food products are a wealth of information that can help you stay healthy and prevent food waste. In this short guide compiled by the Vira team, we will examine the types of dates printed on food packaging, their differences, and important points when reading them.
Expiration Date:
- This date, also known as the “use by date” or “expiration date“, is the last time you can use the product with confidence that it is safe.
- After this time, the product is potentially unsafe and may cause illness.
- This type is essential for perishable foods such as meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs.
Example: The expiration date on the milk indicates the last day you can safely drink the milk.
Best if Used by Date:
- This date, also known as “best before date” or “use by date”, indicates when the product is at its peak of flavor and quality.
- After this time, the product may lose its taste, texture, or nutritional value, but still be edible.
- This type is more important for cereals, legumes, canned goods, and some sauces with long shelf life.
Example: The date of the best consumption time written on the bread indicates when it is at its peak of freshness and taste.
Production Date:
- This date indicates when the product was manufactured.
- This type is useful for tracking the product and checking its shelf life.
Example: The production date written on the can help you estimate its shelf life and know if it is spoiled.
Use by date:
For the best quality, consume the product before this time. Manufacturers assign this method to food products and they may still be desirable after the consumption period. In this method, if the storage standards are followed, the shelf life of the products is longer than the specified time. 
Example: If you see this sign on the packaging of fish, it means that the food should not be eaten after that date.
important points:
- Pay attention to all the dates on the packaging. Some manufacturers may use different terms to indicate different dates.
- If you are not sure if you can use a product or not, use caution and avoid using it. Especially if you notice symptoms such as discoloration, unpleasant odor, or taste.
- Store food in the right conditions to increase its shelf life. For example, most products should be refrigerated or stored in a cool, dry place.
- Do not use the product if you see any signs of spoilage, such as mold, bulging packaging, or leakage.
By knowing this information and paying attention to the dates on food packaging, you can ensure safe and enjoyable food consumption and help keep yourself and your family healthy.
Note: Food dating laws and regulations may vary in different countries. For more detailed information about the laws in your country, you can refer to the website of the relevant Food and Drug Administration.