Family Encyclopedia >> Food

What is the difference between 'best before' and 'use by'?

Do you know when you can still eat a product safely? We explain the terms again.

THT
Best before is a designation usually used on less perishable products. So it is a lower limit and not an upper limit. You can still safely eat the products after the date on the packaging, although the color, taste or nutritional value may deteriorate.

TGT
Use until is an upper limit. The date on the package is the expiry date by which you should eat the product. After that you run the risk that the product is no longer good. Bacteria start to grow, you can't always see or smell that, but it can make you sick.

Advice
Always store products as indicated on the packaging. After opening, almost all products have a limited shelf life. In addition, use your senses to assess whether a product is still good.

Is the term 'best before' clear enough?