Navigating the world of food dates can be confusing, especially with the rising cost of groceries. But don’t worry, understanding the difference between ‘use-by’ and ‘best-before’ dates can save you money and keep you safe. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has provided a clear guide to help you decipher these labels.
Understanding Use-By Dates
The ‘use-by’ date is the most important date to remember. It’s a safety deadline, indicating that consuming food after this date could lead to food poisoning. This date is typically found on foods that spoil quickly, such as meat (chicken, beef, pork, turkey, lamb), dairy products (some milk, soft cheeses, yogurts), unpasteurized juice, and ready-to-eat salads like lettuce. You can enjoy these foods until midnight on the listed ‘use-by’ date, but not a moment longer, unless they’ve been cooked or frozen.
Even if a food like lettuce looks and smells fine, consuming it past the ‘use-by’ date is a gamble you shouldn’t take. Bacteria that cause illness are undetectable by smell, so always err on the side of caution.
Best Before Dates: A Matter of Quality
The ‘best-before’ date, sometimes shown as BBE (best before end), is all about quality, not safety. Food can be safely consumed after this date, but its quality might decline. You’ll find ‘best-before’ dates on items like frozen foods (peas, chips, ice cream), fried foods (pasta, rice), tinned foods (baked beans, canned tomatoes), and some cheeses.
Maximizing Food Storage for Safety and Longevity
To ensure the ‘use-by’ date remains effective, follow the storage instructions meticulously. If the packaging advises refrigeration after opening, store the food at 5°C or below. Proper chilling is essential for food safety. If you cook food on the ‘use-by’ date, you can refrigerate it afterward. Cooking eliminates harmful pathogens, giving you a little more time to consume it. However, it’s crucial to eat it within 48 hours or freeze it for later use. When freezing, label it with the date to avoid mystery items lurking in your freezer.
