Have you ever wondered how “best before” and “expiry” dates differ from one another? The FSSAI has provided this simple instruction to help you accurately read food labels.
Food products that are packaged typically have labels that list the “best before” and “expiry” dates. Food packets that have passed their “best before” date are typically thrown aside.
Undoubtedly, food products that have gone bad are disposed of in the trash. Have you ever wondered how “best before” and “expiry” dates differ from one another? Expiration dates indicate that food products are no longer safe to use, although “best before” dates suggest that food quality, flavor, or crispness may not be the same after the specified date. (Also read: Food labels may contain false information: ICMR)
Reading food labels is crucial when purchasing and consuming packaged foods since it tells you what kinds of components are in them and whether or not they are acceptable to eat on a given day. The expiration date of a food item helps consumers understand when it is no longer safe to use it since some foods are more likely to develop bacteria over time.
Best before date
“While buying food products, always check date of manufacture, best before use and date of expiry. Date of manufacture tells you the date of manufacturing and packaging. While best before date indicates the date up to which the food is in perfect shape to consume,” as per a video posted by FSSAI handle on X.
To ensure that the quality, flavor, and nutrition of a particular packaged product stay the same, it must be used by July 10, 2024, if it is packaged on April 10, 2024, and its best before date is three months away. After the “best before” date, nevertheless, the food might still be safe to consume, according to FSSAI.
“Food products may lose flavor, freshness, aroma, or nutrients after the best before date. According to FSSAI, “it does not necessarily mean that the food is no longer safe to eat.”
Also read: Ayurveda advises against these 7 improper food pairings.
Date of expiration
Conversely, the expiration date designates the point at which consuming the food becomes hazardous. Food can still be consumed after the “best before” date, but there may be negative health implications after that point.
“If expiry date is June 30, 2020 then after this date the food item is unsafe to use and can be harmful for your health,” says FSSAI, adding, “never consume the food whose expiry date has passed, as it may be unsafe to eat and may cause health hazards.
