The Date of Manufacture: A Product's Birthday
The ‘Date of Manufacture’, ‘MFG’, or ‘Packed-On Date’ is the starting point for any product's journey. This date tells you when the food was made or packaged. It is not a deadline for consumption but rather a baseline for freshness. Think of it as the product's birth
certificate. This date is crucial because all other dates, like 'Best Before' or 'Expiry', are calculated from this point. For items like spices, flour, or canned goods, the manufacturing date helps you gauge how fresh the product is, even if it has a long shelf life. A more recently packed item is generally fresher.
Best Before: A Mark of Quality
The 'Best Before' date is about quality, not safety. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this date indicates the period during which the food will retain its optimal flavour, texture, aroma, and nutritional value if stored correctly. After this date, the food may still be perfectly safe to eat, but its quality might have diminished. For example, biscuits might become less crispy, a juice might lose some of its vibrant flavour, or spices might become less aromatic. For non-perishable items like cereals, pasta, and canned goods, this date is a guideline for peak quality. You don't necessarily need to discard these items once the 'Best Before' date has passed; use your senses of sight, smell, and taste to judge if they are still good.
Use-By and Expiry Date: The Safety Deadline
The 'Use-By' and 'Expiry Date' are terms you should always take seriously. Unlike 'Best Before', these dates are related to food safety. They are used for highly perishable items that can become unsafe to eat after a certain period due to bacterial growth. Products like milk, paneer, bread, fresh meat, and ready-to-eat meals typically carry a 'Use-By' or 'Expiry' date. Consuming a product after this date could pose a health risk, even if it looks and smells fine. The FSSAI defines the 'Expiry Date' as the end of the estimated period after which the product is likely to be unsafe for consumption. It is illegal for retailers to sell products past their expiry date.
The Legal Landscape in India
In India, food labelling is governed by the FSSAI, which mandates that packaged food products must clearly display these dates to protect consumers. The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, have made it essential for manufacturers to declare the manufacturing date and the expiry or use-by date. This helps create a clear distinction between dates that refer to quality and those that refer to safety. Every packaged food item must have the FSSAI logo and license number, indicating that it complies with the country's safety standards.
Smart Tips for Your Pantry
To make the most of your groceries and minimise waste, adopt a few simple habits. Firstly, practice the 'First-In, First-Out' (FIFO) method in your fridge and pantry. Place older items at the front so you use them first. Secondly, always check dates before buying, especially for perishable goods. For items past their 'Best Before' date, trust your senses. If the packaging is intact and it looks, smells, and tastes fine, it is likely safe to consume. However, for anything past its 'Use-By' or 'Expiry' date, the safest choice is to discard it. Proper storage as per the instructions on the label is also key to maintaining both the quality and safety of food.
