Know Your Dates: 'Best Before' vs. 'Expiry'
First, it's vital to understand what the dates mean under Indian food laws. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clear definitions. 'Best Before' indicates the period during which the food retains its best quality, taste, and nutritional
value. After this date, the product may lose some freshness but might still be safe to eat. On the other hand, an 'Expiry Date' or 'Use By Date' is a strict safety deadline. Consuming a product after its expiry date is unsafe and can be harmful to your health. FSSAI regulations mandate that products cannot be sold after their 'use-by' or 'expiry' date. This distinction is your first line of defence; 'best before' relates to quality, while 'expiry' relates to safety.
Inspect the Packaging for Tampering
Always give the package a thorough physical check. Signs of tampering can be subtle or obvious. Look for broken seals, punctures, tears, or cuts in soft packaging. For jars and bottles, check if the safety button on the lid is down and if any plastic seals around the cap are intact and not stretched. Be wary of dirty, damaged, or swollen packages, as these can indicate improper storage or that the contents are compromised. Any leakage or corrosion on cans is a major red flag. If a package looks like it has been opened and resealed, or if the protective inner wrapping appears disturbed, it is safest to avoid it entirely.
Examine the Print and Labels
Scrutinise the area where the manufacturing and expiry dates are printed. Unscrupulous sellers sometimes use chemicals or scraping to remove original dates and print new ones. Be suspicious if the printed area looks smudged, scratched, or uses ink that is thicker or a different shade from the rest of the label. Another common trick is placing a sticker with a new date directly over the original one. Try to see if an older date is visible underneath the sticker's edges. Also, compare the font, alignment, and print quality of the date with other information on the pack, like the ingredient list and brand name. Any inconsistency is cause for concern.
Cross-Reference the Batch Number
The batch or lot number is a key piece of information used by manufacturers for traceability. FSSAI regulations require this on packaged foods. While it may be difficult for a consumer to trace a batch number on their own, looking for inconsistencies can be revealing. Check if the batch number information on the outer carton or box matches what is printed on the individual product inside, if applicable. Sometimes, tampered products might have mismatched information between the primary container and its outer packaging. A professional operation might get the details right, but a shoddy one may slip up, giving you a clear sign that something is wrong.
Trust Your Senses Above All Else
Even if the date and packaging seem fine, your own senses are the final and most important check. Never consume food that looks or smells unusual, regardless of the printed date. Once you open a package, check for any 'off' odour, discoloration, mould, or an unusual texture. For example, a product that is meant to be crisp but feels soft, or a liquid that spurts or foams when opened, should be discarded immediately. Many people have discovered perfectly good food well past its 'best before' date by simply checking it first. Conversely, food can spoil before its expiry date due to improper storage. The date is a guideline, but the condition of the product itself is the ultimate truth.
