In a world increasingly driven by rising health consciousness and consumer awareness, understanding food labeling has become more crucial than ever. While consumers mostly focus on nutritional facts and ingredients, they often forget to weigh in on the importance of "expiry date" and "best before” dates. These labels carry distinct meanings that significantly impact food safety and quality. Where the best-before date indicates product quality, the expiry date focuses on safety for consumption.
However, there's much more to these dates than meets the eye. Let’s explore the science behind these dates, how they are determined, what they signify for consumers, and the implications for food storage and consumption from Ashvinkumar Bhaverkar, Senior Expert Commercial Application, Merck Life Science (BioMonitoring) in India.
Understanding Food Labels: Expiry Dates vs. Best Before Dates
The expiry or use-by date on food labels signifies the final day a product is considered safe to eat. Consuming it after this date can pose health risks, even if the food appears or smells normal. On the other hand, the ‘best before’ date reflects the period during which the food retains its optimal taste, texture, and nutritional value. While products are still typically safe to consume after this date, their quality may gradually decline. Understanding these labels helps consumers make informed decisions about food safety and quality, reducing unnecessary waste.
Also Read: Understanding Food Labels: What To Look For When Grocery Shopping
The Science Behind Expiry and Best Before Dates
The expiry date of a product is determined based on several factors like microbial growth, nutrient degradation, sensory changes, temperature control, and the type of packaging used, among others. Manufacturers conduct rigorous testing under controlled conditions to determine how long a product remains safe for consumption, making sure that the expiry date reflects when the food might become harmful. On the other hand, ‘best before’ dates are determined by a combination of food science techniques and stability testing. To determine the same, food manufacturers assess how environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and oxygen exposure affect a product’s composition. Both dates are the result of comprehensive research and testing, giving consumers reliable information about the safety and quality of their food.
How Food Labels Contribute to Food Safety
Food labels play a crucial role in promoting food safety by providing essential information that helps consumers make informed decisions. Terms like Best Before, Use By, and Sell By indicate the freshness and safety of the product. Understanding these labels helps consumers consume food within a safe time frame, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Other labels like ingredients, nutrition, and storage instructions give relevant information on nutritional content like calories, fats, sugar, etc. and the optimal way to store food. Labels also ensure compliance with food safety standards set by governmental and international bodies.
Also Read: Experts Take On Food Safety And Quality Standard
Food Labels, the key to shop smarter
Food labels can sometimes be overloaded with information and jargon, but understanding them is crucial for making informed and healthier choices. Consumers who make it a habit to read these labels are better equipped to understand the ingredients, nutrients, and overall impact of packaged foods on their health. It also keeps them updated on the timeline within which the food item will have the highest nutritional value and is safe to consume. Therefore, every consumer must inculcate a habit of going through the nutritional labels of the products they are planning to consume.
How Expiry Dates and Best Before Dates Can Reduce Food Waste
Expiry dates and best-before dates play a crucial role in limiting food waste by helping consumers make informed decisions about food freshness, safety, and quality. However, misunderstanding these labels can lead to unnecessary food disposal along with health implications. By closely monitoring expiration dates, consumers may better organise their meals and eat food while it's still safe, avoiding the last-minute disposal of expired goods.
Conclusion
Best-before and expiry dates are among the crucial factors that ensure the consumption of safe and fresh food products. By making appropriate use of these dates, people can save unnecessary wastage of food, choose healthier options, and support more environmentally friendly consumption patterns.