Can you eat food after its 'best before' date? Know the difference
The findings have also brought attention to a common confusion among consumers: what exactly does a "best before" date mean, and is food safe to eat after it? The "best before" date generally refers to the period during which a food is expected to retain…
The findings have also brought attention to a common confusion among consumers: what exactly does a "best before" date mean, and is food safe to eat after it? The "best before" date generally refers to the period during which a food is expected to.
Unlike an expiry or use-by date, food does not necessarily become unsafe the moment the best-before date passes. However, that does not mean every product is safe to consume afterwards.
What Happened
This distinction is particularly important because storage conditions, the type of food and whether the package has been opened can all affect food safety. A product may not suddenly become unsafe immediately after the best-before date.
The type of food, storage conditions, packaging and signs of spoilage all need to be considered.
When in doubt, particularly with meat, dairy and other perishable foods, it is safer to discard the product.
Once a product is opened, its usable life may also change depending on the food and storage conditions.WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER THE DATE?
Key Details
However, its quality can deteriorate over time. This does not mean that every food item is automatically safe to consume after this date.
Keep refrigerated foods at the recommended temperature and follow instructions such as "refrigerate after opening".
Storage instructions are just as important as the date printed on the package.
Never taste food simply to determine whether it has gone bad.
Why It Matters
The type of food, storage conditions, packaging and whether it has been opened all matter.WHAT DOES 'EXPIRY DATE' MEAN? For foods where a use-by or expiry date is relevant to safety, consuming the product after that date can carry a higher risk.
Some harmful microorganisms may not produce an obvious change in smell, taste or appearance.
A common mistake is assuming that food is safe because it smells normal.
What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge
