What is the Difference Between Best Before and Expiry Date?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between "best before" and "expiry" dates lies in the safety and quality of the food product. Here's a breakdown of the differences:
- Best Before Date: This date indicates when the durable life period of the food ends, and it is a quality indicator. Food products are still safe to consume past their best before date, but they may have lost their freshness, taste, aroma, or nutrients. In some cases, products with an expired best before date may be sold at a discount.
- Expiry Date: Expiration dates tell consumers the last day a product is safe to consume. Unlike best before dates, expiry dates are more crucial for determining the safety of the food product. Perishable food products, such as infant formula, typically carry an expiration date.
In summary, the best before date is related to the quality of the food, while the expiry date is related to the safety of the food. Always pay attention to the labels on food products and dispose of them immediately if they have passed their expiry date.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Best Before and Expiry Date? Comparative Table: Best Before vs Expiry Date
Comparative Table: Best Before vs Expiry Date
The difference between "best before" and "expiry date" lies in the quality and safety of the product:
| Best Before | Expiry Date |
|---|---|
| Refers to the date until which a product is expected to be at its best quality in terms of flavor, texture, and appearance. | Refers to the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. |
| Indicates when a product will be of best flavor or quality, but it is not a purchase or safety date. | It is not a safety date, except for when used on infant formula. |
| Packaging dates, display until dates, freshness dates, and use-by dates are examples of quality dates. | A "Sell-By" date tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory management. It is not a safety date. |
In summary, the "best before" date is about the product's quality, while the "expiry date" is about the product's safety. Except for infant formula, these dates are not a guarantee of safety and are not required by Federal law.
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