Use-by and best-before: why the two dates do not mean the same thing

In the EU, “use by” applies to foods that may become a microbiological safety risk after a short period. “Best before” mainly concerns expected quality. They should therefore not be interpreted with the same rule.

A printed date cannot make up for poor storage. Temperature, breaks in refrigeration, opening the package and time after opening all change real safety. Manufacturer storage instructions are part of the information that matters.

After a best-before date, a correctly stored product may mainly lose texture, flavor or quality. Package integrity, appearance and specific instructions still matter, and suitability depends on the kind of food.

Foods carrying a use-by date are treated differently because microbiological safety is the concern. Smell and appearance cannot reliably reveal every pathogen, so sensory checks are not a substitute for the safety date.

Check the exact wording, required temperature, package integrity and instructions after opening. Organizing food by approaching use-by dates can reduce waste without treating a safety limit casually.