2. Is a "Use By" date the same as an "Expiry Date"?

Yes, they both denote the last safe date to eat perishable foods.

3. Why don't some Indian foods have an exact expiration date?

Often, Indian foods will have the language "Best before X months from manufacturing." Therefore, you would calculate the expiration date.

4. Do frozen foods have an expiration date?

Frozen foods typically will remain good for a longer period of time. However, they can lose some quality. Therefore, check the expiration date and the place where they are stored.

Written by

Yash Mahendra Lakhan

Senior Content Operations Executive

Reading Food Label
Expiration Dates: Learn The Meaning Of 'Best By', 'Use By' And Other Indicators

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Quick Summary

"Best by" indicates that the item has the best quality until that date, whereas "Use by" means the item may not be safe to eat after that date. If consumers misread either of these terms regarding their expiration date, they may throw away a perfectly good food product due to a lack of understanding of product labelling or food packaging and the length of the product's shelf-life.

Deep Dive

When it comes to food product labels used to help consumers purchase products, there can be a great deal of confusion about expiration dates, as a large percentage of people may throw out food products unnecessarily. As people in India become more reliant on packaged products like paneer, curd, and ready-to-eat options like dal makhani and frozen samosas, it has become necessary for consumers to read food labels correctly when purchasing. Correctly reading food package labels will help consumers reduce waste, improve personal safety, and make more informed decisions about the types of food products they consume in their daily cooking.

“Best By” vs “Use By”: The Core Difference

The primary distinction between food product labels is between "Best By" and "Use By." Here are some key differences:

Best By Dates:

A "Best By" indicates the product's quality. Although the product might not taste as fresh, have the same texture, or have the same flavour after the "Best By" date, it is still safe to consume if it has been properly stored.
For example, packaged atta, biscuits, or namkeen might have passed their "Best By" dates but would not suddenly become harmful.

Use By Dates:

A "Use By" date indicates the product's safety. These dates are typically printed on perishable items such as milk, packaged paneer, and ready-to-eat gravies.
Using items after their "Use By" date can create a health risk due to the possible growth of microorganisms, even if the products appear to be in good condition.

“Manufactured On” and Shelf Life Indicators

The packaging and labels for Indian food products usually include both the manufacturing date and shelf life, for example, "Will be fresh for 6 months from the date manufactured on the label." This format places the onus on the consumer to calculate how long the product will remain usable. This may sound like an inconvenience, but having this option gives greater flexibility and makes it clear how fresh the food will be.

For example, idli batter or dosa batter usually comes in a ready-to-use bag with a short shelf life for freshness, so you must read both the manufacture date and the storage instructions clearly.

Storage Instructions Matter More Than Dates

Food labels often state storage instructions that help the product maintain its shelf life. For example, if the packaging states "keep refrigerated" or "store in a cool, dry location", then follow those instructions. If those instructions are not followed, the actual usable time will be shorter than what is stated on the label.

For example, packaged chutneys and gravies made with coconut can spoil rapidly when left out of refrigeration, even though they have not reached their printed shelf life. Therefore, how you store the food you purchased is as critical as reading the expiration date.

Signs of Spoilage Beyond the Label

Food packaging is a guide to use-by dates; they do not reflect actual food spoilage. The food must also pass through sensory checks, such as smell, texture, and/or appearance, before it is determined to be unsafe for consumption. For example, milk that smells sour, paneer that feels slimy, and pre-packaged curries that show gas formation should not be consumed even though those foods still have “use-by dates” for consumption.

A common error is using visual observations to determine spoilage; this poses a significant risk for certain foods. Therefore, the way you check food for safety or spoilage is by reading the food product label, observing the food’s physical characteristics, and using other senses.

Why Misreading Food Labels Leads to Waste

Misconceived perceptions about food product labels greatly contribute to food waste. One of the most common forms of food waste is discarding food products based on the date on the label, for example, packaged rice, lentils, spices, and even frozen parathas. However, if these food products are stored correctly, many of them can be used long after the “best by” date.

By increasing knowledge of food product labels, food waste will decrease, food consumption will be safer, and kitchens will be more efficient and sustainable.

The Takeaway

It's more about understanding what the labels intend to convey than memorising lots of terms. To judge whether or not an item is usable, you need to check for a combination of indicators, such as the storage directions, the sensory checks, and either one of the two dates of intent. As many people rely on packaged foods as part of their daily diets, being able to read food package labels and understand what they are trying to communicate is a very useful skill that can reduce waste, prevent illness, and help one feel more confident in their everyday food choices.