Googled it so here ya go lol
What's the difference between best before and use by dates?
You will see 'use by' dates on food that goes off quickly, such as smoked fish, meat products and ready-prepared salads. Don't 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 carefully storage instructions such as 'keep in a refrigerator'. If you don't follow these instructions, the food will spoil more quickly and you may risk food poisoning. 'Use by' does not always mean 'eat by'. If a food can be frozen its life can be extended beyond the 'use by' date. Once a food with a 'use by' date on it has been opened, you also need to follow any instructions such as 'eat within a week of opening'. But if the 'use by' date is tomorrow, then you must use the food by the end of tomorrow, even if you only opened it today.
'Best before' dates appear on a wide range of frozen, dried, tinned and other foods.
The 'best before' dates are more about quality than safety, except for eggs. So when the date runs out it doesn't mean that the food will be harmful, but it might begin to lose its flavour and texture.
You can eat eggs a day or two after the 'best before' date, providing the eggs are cooked thoroughly until yolk and white are both solid, or if they are used in dishes where they will be fully cooked, such as a cake. After the 'best before' date, the quality of the egg will deteriorate and if any salmonella bacteria are present, they could multiply to high levels and could make you ill. The 'best before' date will only be accurate if the food is stored according to the instructions on the label, such as 'store in a cool dry place' or 'keep in the fridge once opened'.
Date marks such as 'display until' or 'sell by' often appear near or next to the 'best before' or 'use by' date. They are used by some shops to help with stock control and are instructions for shop staff, not shoppers.  |
