NATIONAL NEWS - When shopping for food, consumers should know the difference between the ‘best before’ and ‘expiry’ dates printed on the labelling.

According to an article published by Polokwane Review, these labels provide crucial information about the quality and safety of the product, and help consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases.

Kulani Mtileni, a senior dietitian at Polokwane-based Dietitians24, explains that while both the best before and expiry dates serve as guidelines for consumers, they are not the same.

“Understanding the differences between [these] dates is crucial for making informed decisions about the food we consume.

“While the best before date focuses on the quality and freshness of the product, the expiry date is directly linked to food safety concerns. The best before date is a label found on most food products, indicating the date until which the manufacturer guarantees the product’s optimal quality,” he says.

Mtileni explains that the best before date does not indicate food safety, instead it suggests the period during which the product is at its peak freshness, flavour and texture.

Beyond this date, the product may still be safe to consume, but its quality may have deteriorated.

The best before date is commonly used for non-perishable items, such as canned goods, dry goods and packaged snacks.

“One of the key attributes of the best before date is its flexibility. It allows consumers to use their judgment and sensory evaluation to determine if the product is still suitable for consumption. 

"For example, if a package of cookies is past its best before date, but still looks and smells fine, it is likely safe to eat. However, if there are noticeable changes in colour, texture or odour, it is advisable to discard the product,” he advises.

The best before date empowers consumers to make informed decisions based on their observations and preferences. Another important aspect of the best before date is that it does not apply to all food products.

Mtileni says fresh produce, meat and dairy items typically do not carry a best before date. Instead, they often have a different labelling system, such as a ‘sell by’ or ‘use by’ date, which indicates the date by which the retailer should sell the product to ensure its freshness.

“These dates are more closely related to food safety concerns and are stricter than the best before expiry date. The expiry date, also known as the use by date or the shelf-life date, is a label that indicates the date until which the manufacturer guarantees the product’s safety for consumption.

Unlike the best before date, the expiry date is directly linked to food safety concerns.

Consuming a product past its expiry date may pose health risks, as the product could have become contaminated or developed harmful bacteria.

One of the primary attributes of the expiry date is its strictness. It serves as a clear guideline for consumers, indicating the last day on which the product is considered safe to consume.

“It is crucial to adhere to the expiry date to minimise the risk of foodborne illnesses. Products that commonly carry an expiry date include perishable items like fresh meat, dairy products and ready-to-eat meals.

“Unlike the best before date, the expiry date does not leave room for interpretation or personal judgment. It is a fixed date that should be followed to ensure food safety. Consuming products beyond their expiry date can lead to food poisoning or other health complications.

"Therefore, it is important to be vigilant and check the expiry date before consuming perishable items,” he says.

Read original story on www.citizen.co.za

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