Why Dates on Labels Matter
Those dates printed on your groceries are more than just a suggestion; they are a guide to both quality and safety, regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Confusion between the different types of dates is a major contributor
to food waste, with many consumers discarding perfectly edible food. Studies show that a significant number of people misinterpret 'Best Before' dates as a strict safety deadline, leading to unnecessary waste. Learning to correctly interpret these labels empowers you to make smarter decisions, ensuring your family eats safely while also making your groceries go further.
The Quality Guide: 'Best Before'
The 'Best Before' date is all about quality, not safety. It signifies the period during which the food will be at its peak freshness, taste, and nutritional value, as guaranteed by the manufacturer. Think of foods like biscuits, cereals, spices, and snacks. After the 'Best Before' date, the product may lose some of its crispness, flavour, or aroma, but it is generally still safe to consume, provided it has been stored correctly and the packaging is intact. FSSAI guidelines clarify that while the quality might diminish, the food is often perfectly safe to eat. So, there is no need to immediately discard that packet of chips if it's a little past its 'Best Before' date.
The Safety Deadline: 'Use By' or 'Expiry Date'
This is the date to take seriously. The 'Use By' or 'Expiry Date' is a safety instruction. According to FSSAI, this date marks the end of the period under which a food is safe to consume. After this date, the product should not be sold or consumed as it may pose a health risk due to potential bacterial growth or spoilage. This label is typically found on highly perishable items such as milk, bread, paneer, and packaged meats. Unlike 'Best Before', this is a hard deadline. Consuming food past its 'Use By' or 'Expiry Date' is a gamble with your health and should be avoided. When in doubt with these products, the safest option is always to throw it out.
Don't Forget the Manufacturing Date
Alongside the 'Best Before' or 'Expiry' date, the 'Date of Manufacture' (often abbreviated as 'Mfg. Date' or 'Mfd.') is a crucial piece of information. FSSAI regulations mandate that packaged foods must declare their manufacturing or packing date. This date tells you how old a product is, giving you a complete picture of its freshness. For example, if two similar products have the same 'Best Before' date, checking the manufacturing date can help you choose the one that was produced more recently. This is especially useful for items with a long shelf life, helping you get the freshest possible product off the shelf.
Your Smart Shopping Checklist
Becoming a savvy consumer is simple with a few good habits. First, always check the dates before you buy, especially for perishable items. At home, practice the 'First In, First Out' (FIFO) method: organise your pantry and fridge so that older items are used before newer ones. For products past their 'Best Before' date, use your senses—if it looks, smells, and tastes fine, it's likely okay. However, for any item that has passed its 'Use By' or 'Expiry' date, do not take the risk. By understanding this simple distinction between quality and safety, you can confidently reduce food waste and make the most of every rupee spent on groceries.
