The Great Date Debate: Quality vs. Safety
Confusion over date labels on food packaging is a major contributor to household food waste in India. Many people discard perfectly good food because they misinterpret the dates as strict deadlines for consumption. The Food Safety and Standards Authority
of India (FSSAI) has set guidelines to clarify these terms. The most important distinction to grasp is that some dates refer to the food's peak quality, while others refer to its safety. Understanding this difference can help you save money, reduce waste, and make more informed decisions about what you eat. According to a UN report, Indian households generate about 50 kg of food waste per person annually, and misread labels are a part of this problem.
‘Best Before’: A Mark of Quality
The “Best Before” date is the manufacturer's estimate of how long a product will remain at its absolute best in terms of flavour, texture, and aroma. It is an indicator of quality, not safety. Foods like biscuits, cereals, canned goods, and pasta often carry this label. It is generally safe to consume these foods after the 'Best Before' date has passed, provided they have been stored correctly and the packaging is intact. You might notice a slight decline in quality—your crisps might be less crunchy or your spices less fragrant—but the food is typically not harmful. FSSAI notes that after this date, the food may lose some freshness or nutrients, but it does not necessarily become unsafe.
‘Use By’ or ‘Expiry’: The Safety Deadline
This is the label to take seriously. The “Use By” or “Expiry” date indicates the last day a product is considered safe to eat. Consuming food after this date can pose a health risk, even if the item looks and smells fine, as harmful bacteria may have grown to unsafe levels. This date is typically found on highly perishable items such as chilled meats, dairy products, and pre-prepared salads. According to FSSAI, you should never consume food past its expiry date, as it could be unsafe and lead to health hazards. If you don't think you can finish a product before its 'Use By' date, freezing it can often extend its life. Just be sure to do so before the date passes.
What About ‘Sell By’ and Manufacturing Dates?
You might also encounter a “Sell By” date on some products. This date is not for you, the consumer, but rather a guide for the retailer to manage their inventory. It tells the store how long to display the product for sale. Food is generally safe for consumption for some time after the 'Sell By' date, assuming it's stored properly. The “Date of Manufacture” or “Date of Packaging” simply tells you when the product was made or packed. Under FSSAI's 2020 regulations, the format for these dates is specified to ensure clarity for consumers. For instance, the day, month, and year (DD/MM/YY) should be used for products with a shelf life under three months.
Beyond the Label: Trust Your Senses
While date labels are a useful guide, they aren't foolproof. Proper storage is essential for any food to reach its printed date safely. Conversely, a product can spoil before its date if handled improperly. This is where your senses come in. Before consuming any food, especially one near or past its date, give it a thorough check. Look for signs of spoilage like mould, discoloration, or a slimy texture. Does the packaging look right? Bulging or heavily dented cans can be a sign of bacterial contamination. An 'off' or sour smell is another clear warning sign. If the food looks, smells, and feels as it should, it is often safe to eat, particularly if it's only past its 'Best Before' date.
