Labelling Requirements "Use BY" & "Best Before"

Hi All

I read simon's post about for product "Use BY" & "Best Before" defination

So Where i can get list/information... this product should be "Use BY" & "Best Before"

Any standard??

Dear Sudarshan,

I'm guessing you are referring to something like this -

http://www.eatwell.g...ksamlabelterms/

Rgds / Charles.C

Hi charles

I know the differance between Use By & Best Before...

my question how i can put label Use by or Best before....on which basis...any standards mention particularly productwise ......means we are in spices....we use for all spices "best before end"......so if auditor ask me.....why you mention "best before end".....why not "Use By".......any validated data???

if i am wrong ....or misunderstood.....i hope you clarify.....if you know.....

Thanks....you always there...when i need........& HAPPY NEW YEAR ....

Dear Sudarshan,

From above, I presume you appreciate the health significance between (best before) / (use by) (at least in UK anyway). The choice is rigorously made as per methods like this -

date_marking0917.pdf   65.55KB   82 downloads

I'm not a "spice" person but I suppose an exact answer may depend on the specific “spice” and its manufacturing process, particularly with respect to health-related BCP characteristics. Similar comment for regulatory aspects at location of use and the intended usage (includes sensitive applications or not). The possibilities seem quite wide, eg –

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Departme...sf/all/fss14864.

Assuming yr product is “safe” when packaged and shelf stable /stored as per appropriate conditions, I presume it then remains “safe”. No doubt you hv a (validated) product spec. / knowledge of shelf life regarding quality aspects other than safety-related. Accordingly, spices seem to be typically included in the “best before” group in EC, eg –

spices_leaflet_EN6_12112007_web.pdf   1.69MB   50 downloads

Any spice experts feel free to correct me if I am wrong anywhere. Or if anyone knows of a general product list of (items) vs (use by / best before).

Rgds / Charles.C

Excellent references Charles. Are these helpful Surdashan?

One other point is to make sure you comply with your own and your customers country requirements and applicable legislation. Commonsense I know.

Regards,
Simon

Hi Charles

Thank you very much.....

Interesting posts on this topic! In the U.S., an expiration date is not always required. Most states require it for milk and eggs. It is always a requirement for infant formula. In other cases, it is highly subjective. Food that is sold must be safe - so any 'use by' or 'best by' date is or should be pertaining only to quality concerns. Quality can be highly debated from one consumer to another and so no solid legislation is in place.

There was even a case where someone changed the 'best by' dates on a bottled, shelf stable salad dressing. They were taken to court, and found guilty but the decision was reversed because it is my understanding that the law does not specifically prohibit this if there is no food safety concern! Buyer beware !

Dear Cathy,

Many thks for your US “clarification”. In fact , as many exporters to EC will know, it is also not uncommon to find oscillations in different countries over date formats, eg things like this (ex wiki) –

• Best before + Day for foods with a shelf life of up to 3 month.
• Best before end + Month for foods with more than a 3 month shelf life.
• Best before end + Year for food with more than an 18 month shelf life.
The practical result is that the onus is usually on the receiver to (specify / verify) what he wants.

I found a couple of links regarding US procedures, more or less in agreement with yr comments. Frankly this all looks a bit of a mess.

http://www.fsis.usda...ating/index.asp

http://www.gourmetsl...tion-dates.aspx

Strikingly in contrast with labelling procedures for things like allergens.

I noticed the (“common-sense”) recommendation in the second link about clearing out canned goods within one year. Should be good for a few consumer chuckles.

Rgds / Charles.C