'Use by' or 'best before'?
What is the difference between 'best before' and 'use by'?
We regularly receive questions about the durability dates on the label of a pre-packaged product. The manufacturer is required to place a durability date on every food product. A distinction is made between 'best before (BB)' and 'use by (UB)'.
Edith Castelein
'Use by' or 'best before'?
The durability date was introduced to safeguard the quality and safety of food. It must make clear until when a given product may be consumed. The manufacturer is required* to place a durability date on every food product. A distinction is made between 'best before (BB)' and 'use by (UB)'.
On 20/01/2023, the FASFC published a circular (reference PCCB/S3/802859) explaining the durability dates stated on consumer packaging.
Use by (UB)
The use-by date (UB) must be stated on food products that are highly perishable from a microbiological point of view and that may pose an immediate danger to human health shortly after that date. Food products in this category can spoil quickly and are always kept refrigerated. Examples include fresh fish, fresh meat, cold cuts, prepared salads…
Once the durability date has passed, the producer can no longer guarantee the safety of the product. In fact, these products can pose an immediate health risk shortly after the use-by date.
Best before (BB)
The minimum durability date (BB) applies to less perishable products such as tinned vegetables, biscuits, flour and so on, and indicates that the manufacturer guarantees good quality up to that date. The date only applies, of course, if the packaging has not been opened. The quality of the product may decline after the stated date.
When do I use 'UB' and when 'BB'?
To apply the correct term, the FASFC published a number of clarifying decision trees (annexes to circular PCCB/S3/802859). These take the following parameters into account:
- Validated lethal treatment of all vegetative spores or cells.
- Risk of recontamination before packaging.
- Post-lethality treatment applied to packaged products or followed by aseptic packaging or hot filling.
- Intrinsic factors such as water activity and pH of the food, and extrinsic factors such as atmosphere.
- Temperature conditions during distribution and storage.
Is a durability date always mandatory?
For certain products, stating a minimum durability date is not a requirement. Loose fruit and vegetables do not need a durability date. Here, you can simply look at or smell the product to check whether it is still usable. Other products, such as sugar, salt and alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content above 10%, keep almost indefinitely if stored in a dry environment. Here too, stating a durability date is not mandatory.
Determining the durability date
Determining a durability date is done step by step. This takes into account scientific literature, predictive modelling and laboratory tests (such as shelf-life tests and challenge tests).
Stating time and temperature
The decision tree (annex to circular PCCB/S3/802859) determines whether stating the time and temperature after opening the food product is necessary. For many food products, the durability date no longer applies after opening, think for example of a carton of UHT milk.
The decision tree is based on the following parameters:
- Possibility of growth of vegetative pathogen cells in the closed packaging.
- Temperature conditions during distribution and storage.
- Intrinsic or extrinsic factors that may influence the growth of vegetative pathogen cells.
How can we help you?
Our AMNorman experts have the right knowledge and expertise to support you in interpreting and/or implementing the regulations and decision trees.
