What Is an Expiration Date? Understanding Food Labels for Safety and Quality

When shopping for groceries, you’ve likely noticed various dates printed on food packaging—terms like “expiration date,” “best before,” and “use by.” While they might seem interchangeable, each serves a distinct purpose in indicating a product’s safety and quality.

Expiration Date: The Final Consumption Deadline

An expiration date signifies the last day a product is considered safe to consume. After this date, the manufacturer no longer guarantees the item’s safety or efficacy. Consuming products past their expiration date can pose health risks, especially for perishable items like dairy, meat, and certain pharmaceuticals.

For instance, expired milk may sour, and outdated medications might lose potency or become harmful. It’s crucial to adhere strictly to expiration dates to avoid potential health hazards.

Best Before Date: Peak Quality Indicator

The best before date indicates when a product is expected to be at its optimal quality in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional value. It’s not about safety; rather, it’s about the product’s prime condition.

Foods like biscuits, canned goods, and dried items such as ikan bilis (anchovies) often carry best before dates. Consuming them after this date is generally safe, provided there are no signs of spoilage, but the quality might not be as intended.

Use By Date: Safety for Perishables

The use by date is crucial for perishable items. It denotes the last date recommended for the safe consumption of the product. After this date, even if the food appears fine, it may harbor harmful bacteria.

Items like fresh meats, seafood, and ready-to-eat salads commonly have use by dates. For example, ebi (dried shrimp) should be consumed before its use by date to ensure safety.

Key Differences at a Glance

Label Type	Indicates Safety	Indicates Quality	Commonly Found On
Expiration Date	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Medications, infant formula, supplements
Best Before Date	❌ No	✅ Yes	Dry goods, canned foods, snacks
Use By Date	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Fresh meats, dairy, ready-to-eat meals

Tips for Consumers

Always check the date labels before purchasing or consuming products.
Store foods properly to extend their shelf life.
When in doubt, throw it out. If a product smells off or has changed in appearance, it’s safer to discard it.

Crystal of the Sea: Quality You Can Trust

At Crystal of the Sea, we prioritize both quality and safety. Our range of dried seafood products, including White Anchovy, Brown Anchovy, and Shrimp, are carefully processed and packaged to ensure freshness.

Our products have a shelf life of up to 8 months when stored in a cool, dry place. For optimal quality, we recommend refrigerating them, especially in Singapore’s humid climate.

Experience the authentic taste of premium dried seafood with Crystal of the Sea.

Sources:

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/do-food-expiration-dates-matter
https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-chart
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-use-by-and-best-before-dates
https://www.foodsafety.ca/difference-between-best-and-expiry-dates