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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.
For instance, expired milk may sour, and outdated medications might lose potency or become harmful.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.
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.
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.
Tips foTips for Consumers
e="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">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.
Read More : Complementary Feeding for 9-Month-Olds: 14 Easy and Nutritious Recipes Ideas
CrystalCrystal of the Sea: Quality You Can Trust
e="font-weight: 400;">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
