A use-by date and a minimum expiration date are not the same.
You couldn’t have missed it at the supermarket: all foods have a shelf life. After this period, their consumption can be dangerous for your health. On the other hand, have you ever noticed that there is two dates and not just one on food? There is the Consumption Expiry Date or “BBD” and the Minimum Durability Date or “BDD” (before 2015, we spoke of BBD for Optimal Use By Date). It’s not not the same. The DLC is indicated on the packaging with the words “Best before” on foods that are consumed chilled such as fresh meats, cold meats, fish, dairy products or refrigerated ready meals. The shelf life is only guaranteed if the storage conditions are respected and the the product has not been opened. Sometimes, on certain foods the term “Short DLC” and benefits from promotions, this means that the product must be consumed very quickly, often the same day or the next day. The DDM is indicated on the packaging by the words “To consume preferably before” on the products to keep in your cupboards such as coffee, biscuits, cans, juices, compotes or jars of sauces.
The date that really matters
To know if a product is good or not to consume, you must rely on the DLC. The DLC indicates a mandatory date : if the packaging indicates “Consume until…” the product can no longer be consumed once the date has passed. DLC is not the only indicator. May mean there is a health risk:
- Inflated packaging
- The absence of a “pop” when opening a jar
- An unpleasant smell
- Abnormal color…
The DDM therefore does not have the mandatory nature of the DLC: if the packaging indicates “To be consumed preferably before…”, the product can be consumed once the date has passed without risk to health (as long as the packaging is not altered and the product is unopened), there is no need to throw it away. The food will just lose its taste properties, its taste will be altered or its texture will change slightly. For example, a packet of chips whose MBD has been exceeded may have a rancid taste or a soft, less crunchy texture. Likewise, an expired Coke will fizz less.
Attention all the same : for a canned product (metal box), more than the DDM, it is the external appearance of the can that must be taken into consideration to judge its stability. Indeed, any trace of alteration such as deformationtraces of rust, doming, etc., may indicate tampering with the product. If in doubt, it is best to avoid consuming its contents. Note that some products do not expire and can be consumed for many years if stored well. This is particularly the case for salt, sugar, vinegar and honey.