What’s the difference between best before and use by dates?

Pre-packed food is marked by the packer with a date to show how long it can be kept. This will be either a USE BY or a BEST BEFORE date.

It is a criminal offence to remove, alter or cover them up.

Use by and best before dates

Use By Dates

Perishable foods which are likely to be a health risk after a short time must be labelled with a USE BY date. The food should remain fit for human consumption until that date, if it has been stored correctly.

You can only sell this food until the USE BY date. After that date you must not sell it, display it or have it available for sale. To do so is a criminal offence, regardless of the condition of the food.

Therefore you must check all your perishable foodstuffs every day.

Foods with USE BY dates are normally refrigerated and include:

  • Meat Pies
  • Soft Cheeses
  • Fresh and Cooked Meats and Fish
  • Yoghurts and other milk products

Best Before Dates

Foods with a longer shelf life or those unlikely to be a health risk must be labelled with a BEST BEFORE date. The manufacturer has decided that the product will be at its best until this date, if it is stored correctly.

Examples of foods with BEST BEFORE dates:

  • Canned Foods
  • Frozen Foods
  • Biscuits, Bread and MOST Cakes
  • Dried Pasta and Rice

A person may commit an offence if they sell any food after the best before date if the quality of the food has deteriorated.

Points to remember

  • Carry out proper stock rotation.
  • Make daily checks on perishable items.
  • Do not remove, alter or cover up date marks.
  • Do not sell or display food after its USE BY date.
  • Remove eggs from sale at the end of the 7th day before the Best Before date.
  • If you sell other food after its BEST BEFORE date, make sure it is in good condition.