Understanding food pack date codes

• FSSAI clarifies the difference between food date labels
• Best Before marks quality, while Use By indicates safety limits
• Consumers should check for spoilage and use older items first

It's a familiar feeling: staring at a carton of milk or a packet of biscuits, trying to decipher the cluster of dates printed on the box. Does 'Best Before' mean it's unsafe tomorrow? Is 'Use By' a strict deadline? Let's clear up the confusion.

Cracking the Date Code

In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets the rules for how dates must be displayed on packaged foods. Understanding the key terms is the first step to becoming a smarter shopper. The main labels you'll encounter are 'Date of Manufacture', 'Best Before', and 'Expiry/Use By'. Each one tells a different story about the product inside.

'Best Before': A Mark of Quality

The 'Best Before' date is all about quality, not safety. It signifies the period during which the food will retain its optimal flavour, texture, and nutritional value, provided it's stored correctly. Think of foods like biscuits, cereals, or snacks. If you eat them after the 'Best Before' date, they are generally still safe, but might not be as crunchy or fresh. The FSSAI clarifies that the food may lose some of its specific qualities, but it doesn't automatically become unsafe to consume. However, once a pack is opened, the 'Best Before' date no longer applies as exposure to air and moisture changes its shelf life.

'Expiry/Use By': The Safety Deadline

This is the date to take seriously. The 'Expiry Date' or 'Use By' date indicates the last day a food is considered safe to eat. After this date, the product should not be consumed as it could pose a health risk due to the potential growth of harmful bacteria. This label is typically found on perishable items that can spoil quickly, such as dairy products, bread, and some pre-prepared foods. FSSAI regulations are clear: never consume food past its expiry date, as it could be harmful to your health.

Understanding 'Date of Manufacture'

Alongside the other dates, you'll always find the 'Date of Manufacture' or 'Mfg. Date'. This simply tells you when the product was made or packaged. This date provides context, allowing you to gauge the freshness of a product, especially when combined with the 'Best Before' or 'Expiry' date. According to Indian regulations, for products with a shelf life over three months, the month and year of manufacture are sufficient.

Trust Your Senses

While dates are important guides, they aren't foolproof. How food is handled and stored plays a huge role in its actual shelf life. Before consuming any food, especially one that is close to or slightly past its 'Best Before' date, it's wise to use your senses. Look for signs of spoilage like mould, a strange colour, or a change in texture. A grainy or separated liquid, for example, is a bad sign. An unusual or sour smell is another clear indicator that the product has gone bad and should be discarded, regardless of the date on the package.

Smart Shopping and Storage Habits

To minimise waste and ensure you're always consuming food at its best, adopt a few simple habits. In the store, check the dates before you buy, and pick products with a longer shelf life if you don't plan to use them immediately. At home, practice the 'First-In, First-Out' (FIFO) method. Organise your pantry and fridge so that older items are at the front and get used first. Proper storage is also key; keeping foods at their recommended temperatures can significantly extend their life.