FOOD LABEL DEMYSTIFIED: USE BY, BEST BEFORE AND SELL BY DATES

In a very simple sentence, a food label is a panel found on a package of food which contains a variety of information about the nutritional value of the food item. There are many standard pieces of information on most food labels, including serving size, the amount of calories and other key nutrients, a list of ingredients, the production dates and the best date to be used or discarded. 

Even though food labels are just one of the many boring pieces of writing struggling for our attention daily, it is important to note that practicing food safety starts by reading and understanding the labels on a food package. 

All details in the food label are very important if you must make a healthy choice. However, this article explains some of the common terms seen on the seemingly confusing food labels. Those common terms are the USE BY, BEST BEFORE AND SELL BY dates. 

Use by

"Use by" dates are the most important date to consider, as these relate to food safety. It is seen on foods that sell quickly in the grocery especially the ready-to-eat foods. 

Consumers are advised not to use any food or drink after the end of the "use by" date on the label, even if it looks and smells fine. This is because using it after this date could put your health at risk.

For the "use by" date to be a valid guide, you must follow storage instructions such as "keep in a refrigerator". If such instruction is not followed, the food will spoil more quickly and you may be at risk of food poisoning.

Also, once a food with a "use by" date on it has been opened upon consumption, you need to follow any instructions, such as "eat within 2 days of opening". Consider also that, if for example the "use by" is tomorrow, then you must use the food by the end of tomorrow, even if the label says "eat within 7 days of opening" and you have only opened the food today. (I wish you read this again to better comprehend it). 

Best before

The "Best before" dates appear on a wide range of foods seen in the grocery and the market. "Best before" dates are majorly about quality and not safety. When the date is passed, it doesn't mean that the food will be harmful, but it might begin to lose its flavour and texture.

It is important to note that the "best before" date will be accurate if only the food is stored accurately according to the instructions on the label, such as "store in a cool dry place" or "keep in the fridge after opened". So every consumer must pay close attention to such instructions from the manufacturer.

Sell by

The "Sell by" dates also written as the "Display by", is used by Retailers on their shelves or on the products. This is mainly used for stock control purposes. It simply shows how long to display the product for sale and the food in question must be sold few days and weeks before the expiration date. 

As a shopper, you may have seen this on the shelves in a grocery store, however, they aren't required by law and not meant for the shopper, but are simple instructions for the shop staff or storekeepers. So you don't need to worry about that. Hence the most important dates for you to look for are the "use by" and "best before" dates.

So you see, labels can help us choose a healthier diet and make sure our foods are prepared and stored properly. Make it a habit today to consciously check food labels as you reach out for any food product as from today. 

By Chinaza Arinzechukwu

(Founder Safe Food for All; MNIFST)