The difference between use-by, sell-by and best-before dates
This is your guide to understanding use-by, sell-by and best-before dates.
There are two types of people in the world: those who sniff the yoghurt after its expiration date and say, "That's still fine," and those who immediately throw out those Ina Paarman spices as soon as they reach their best-before date.
Being cautious and food safety focused is never a bad thing, but understanding the truth behind expiration dates could save you money, help the environment and, in some cases, help those who have to count every rand that leaves their bank account.
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Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to Prof. Gunnar Sigge, food scientist, associate professor and Head of the Department of Food Science at Stellenbosch University.
Sigge answered questions regarding food safety and explained the exact difference between use by, sell by and best before dates.
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According to the Cape Winelands District, the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972), through Regulation 146 of 1 March 2010 on Labelling and Advertising of Foodstuffs, dictates that all packaged food products must have date markings indicating the best before, use by or sell by dates and prescribes the format in which these markings must be placed.
It is important to note that South African food legislation does not make provision for the term "expiry date", as these markings are frequently referred to.
Sell-by dates
Sell-by dates are mostly for the seller or retailer, says the professor.
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Sometimes also marked as "Display Until", it means the last date of offer for sale to the consumer, after which there remains a reasonable storage period at home.
Best-before dates
According to Sigge, best-before dates are found on non-perishable food.
It is a quality issue and has nothing to do with safety. These products are considered safe well after their best-before dates.
There is nothing wrong with the product, but taste, texture and quality may be affected.
"Best before dates mean the date which signifies the end of the period under any stated storage conditions during which the product will remain fully marketable and will retain any specific qualities for which tacit or express claims have been made. However, beyond the date the food may still be perfectly satisfactory."
Use-by dates
Use by is a safety issue. This applies to meat, fish, poultry, dairy and ready-to-eat foods that we buy on the go.
If you consume it until the use-by date, you are fine.
Use-by dates should be taken very seriously. If the food is past its use-by date, rather discard it than take the risk.
"Means the date which signifies the end of the estimated period under the stated storage conditions, after which the product probably will not have the quality attributes normally expected by consumers and after which date the food should not be regarded as marketable."
Can you still sell food past its best-before date?
According to local food scientist, food can still be sold after the best-before dates, but it is expected that the retailer is transparent about it and that it is sold at a reduced price.
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Many local shops already do this, and there are now shops devoted to selling food that is past its best-before date.
Some of these have been raided by officials, although there is nothing wrong with the products if they are still within safety guidelines.
How to store sauces
Many people wonder where sauces should be stored. If you read the label, all producers provide a declaration of the optimal storage conditions.
When you buy tomato sauce, it is shelf-stable when unopened, and then states that it should be stored in the fridge after opening.
Buying food from the informal sector
A lot of people buy food from the informal sector. What should we do to stay safe?
When buying in these areas, packaged goods are generally safe, but stay away from repackaged goods.
Items like chips that are repacked properly should not be a problem, but cooked food sold in containers can be risky.
Prepared food should be bought while it is still hot. When food cools down, it becomes more easily contaminated.
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