By: Toshita Sahni
Food labels can be confusing, but knowing the difference between these two dates helps you stay safe and waste less.
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Many people throw away food too early or eat it too late by misreading date labels. Understanding them will safeguard health and help save money.
A “Best Before” date tells you when the food is at its best quality. After that, it may lose taste or texture but is usually still safe to eat.
You can sometimes eat food past its “Best Before” date if it looks, smells, and tastes fine. It's mainly about quality.
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The “Use By” date is about safety. Eating food after this date can pose health risks, even if it looks and smells okay.
“Use By” dates appear on perishable foods like dairy, meat, and ready meals, which can grow harmful bacteria after that point.
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Always check how food looks, smells, and feels. If something seems off, it's best to throw it out, even before the labelled dates.
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Follow storage instructions carefully. You can freeze food before the “Use By” date to keep it safe for longer.
Buy only what you need, check dates regularly, and use older food first. A little awareness can reduce waste and keep you safe.
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To learn how to avoid food wastage while saving money
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