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Understanding Food Labels

Best Before Dates

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  • Quality Indicator: The "best before" date tells you how long the food will remain at its best flavor and texture. After this date, the food might not taste as good or have the same texture, but it is usually still safe to eat.​

  • Wide Range of Foods: You'll find "best before" dates on a variety of items, including canned goods, dried foods, and frozen products.​

  • Safe to Eat: Unlike "use by" dates, which are about safety, foods past their "best before" date can still be consumed if they look, smell, and taste fine.

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Always use your senses to check the quality of food past its "best before" date. If it seems off, it's best to discard it.

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Food Ingredients in Bowls

Use By Dates:

A 'use by' date is crucial for food safety, indicating when certain perishable items should be consumed by. This applies to foods like:

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  • Raw meat or fish

  • Cooked sliced meats

  • Dairy products

  • Prepared salads


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Citrus Fruits

It's important not to eat or drink anything past its 'use by' date, even if it appears and smells okay. To ensure the 'use by' date is accurate, always follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Improper storage can cause food & drink to spoil faster

Use within 'so many' days

Usually found on the back of a product this label gives you guidance on how to store your produce and when to use it by.

 

  • Food Safety: Once a package is opened, it becomes exposed to air and potential contaminants, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogens. This is especially true for foods with high moisture content or low acidity, which are more prone to microbial growth.​

  • Quality Maintenance: The "use within" period is determined to ensure that the food maintains its best taste, texture, and nutritional value. After this period, the quality of the food may deteriorate, even if it doesn't pose an immediate health risk.

  • Manufacturer's Testing: These guidelines are based on tests conducted by manufacturers to determine how long the product remains safe and of high quality after opening. They take into account factors like exposure to air, temperature changes, and potential contamination.

  • Preventing Spoilage: Foods that are not consumed within the recommended period are more likely to spoil, which can lead to food waste and potential health risks if consumed

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