Meaning of Termination Expiry Date on Food Packaging

Some food items in the fridge and kitchen cabinet are a little past the expiration date, but how come they still look good and don't smell? Just processed or thrown away huh? On food and beverage packaging sold on the market, usually there is a term that indicates the expiration date of the product. Some are written with "It should be used before" or "Best before", "Exp.", "Sell by" and "Use by". These various terms actually show different information and meanings, you know! Come on, see the explanation below!

Look at the Meaning of the Date on the Packaging

To find out when the food or drink you are consuming expires, you will usually find the date printed on the package. Best before, use by, sell by, and exp. are some of the most commonly used terms. What is the difference?

1. Best before or should be used before

Best before signifies quality. That is, food or drinks are actually still safe to eat after the date stated, but the taste and texture may have changed. Product quality may also be reduced, especially if the storage method is not according to the instructions. The best before date is usually listed on canned food, frozen food, until dry food.

2. Expires by, expiration date or exp.

This means that you must dispose of the product if it has passed the stated date. Because the date listed indicates the end time you can enjoy the product.

3. Sell by

The term sell by indicates that the product can still be consumed even after it has passed the stated date, but the quality (taste or freshness) has diminished. This one term is actually a guide for sellers to sell products only until that date. After that, the goods will be withdrawn from circulation. So, the buyer must buy the product before the expiration date.

4. Use by

Usually this date is listed on perishable food packaging, such as ready salads or meat. This term indicates the level of product safety. Food or drink can be consumed until the date stated. After that, immediately discard even though it still looks good or does not smell.

Food Storage Guide

In addition to checking the expiration date, you also need to follow the storage instructions listed on the package so that food and drinks remain of good quality. As a guide, let's see the following food storage guide:

• Once purchased, you should immediately store the product in the refrigerator if it is not processed immediately. If it is stored for a long time, store it in the freezer.
• Process food immediately after removing it from the refrigerator or freezer.
• Avoid buying food that has damaged packaging.
• Cereals are relatively safe for consumption a few weeks after the date has passed. It's just that the fat in the cereal has been oxidized so that it doesn't taste as good as before.
• Eggs are generally safe stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 weeks.
• Milk that has been through the process of ultra-pasteurization can last up to several months. But do not drink if it has changed the taste.
• Yogurt can still be consumed after the expiration date because the microbes have been turned off in the pasteurization process. It's just that the taste can be sharper. However, discard yogurt if it has passed a month from the expiration date.

In general, food expires faster, especially if it is stored too long at an incorrect temperature. Bacteria that may be contained in them can cause poisoning if consumed. Food or beverage products can still look and smell good even though they are past the expiration date. So, don't forget to always check the expiration date on the packaging before you buy and process food or drinks.