When buying a packaged food product, we should look at the expiration date.
Usually the packaging will say one of the expired date, best before or use by date. Actually, what’s the difference?
studyello will discuss the terms expiration date on food packaging. Let’s see the explanation!
All types of food have a grace period to be suitable for consumption. So is packaged food. Packaged food can spoil even though it has been packaged in such a way.
Therefore, we need to understand what food expiration looks like and the expiration date on food and drinks.
What is the definition of expired food?
Expired food is a product that cannot be consumed again according to a predetermined time. This time is usually referred to as the expiration date. Expired food usually changes color, smell, taste, texture, and thickness
The same goes for expired drinks.
To find out when food and beverage products will expire, we generally check the expiration date. Well, there are 3 types that are commonly used, namely expired date, best before, and use by date.
Let’s look at the explanations one by one!
Definition of Expired Date
Expired date or expiration date is the length of time the food is in good condition, before the food then starts to rot, is not nutritious, or is not safe for consumption.
expired date is usually used in packaged food that has a shelf life for a certain period of time. While in other countries, especially Europe, the expiry date is used to indicate the shelf life of food in two categories, namely best before and use by date.
How to Read Expired Date
For example, you have instant noodles with an expiry date of March 30, 2020.
So after March 30, 2020, these instant noodles have passed their expiration date and are not safe for consumption.
Definition of Best Before Date
Best before date is the date on which the food has the minimum resistance (best before or well before) to retain its specific properties when properly stored best before is more associated with food quality such as flavor, texture, aroma, and appearance.
This calendar is usually used by manufacturers as an indication of the quality of food when it is stored in the right place, such as a freezer, refrigerator, dry place, free of light and so on.
Foods that use the best before calendar include frozen food or frozen food, dry food such as pasta or rice, and canned food.
Food manufacturers estimate that food that has passed the best before date is expected to still be consumed. However, the food is certainly not in the best condition, both in terms of sensory and quality.
How to Read Best Before Date
For example, you have a nugget with a best before March 30, 2021 date.
So on March 31, 2021, you can still eat these nuggets. However, sensory qualities such as flavour, texture and aroma may not be as good as before the best before date (30 March 2021).
Before consuming food that has passed the best before date, we must first observe the condition of the food. Because in these foods can grow mold or other physical changes.
If the changes in food are too noticeable and make us unsure about eating them, then these foods should not be consumed.
Assessment of food that has passed the best before date requires an understanding of food quality which can be done through smelling, tasting and touching to determine the texture of food.
