Eating these products after their expiry date could be dangerous to your health

Updated on September 18, 2023 at 1:32 PM

What's the difference between an expiry date and a minimum durability date? Can we still eat a product that's past its sell-by date? Here is all you need to know.

This is how long you can eat a product after its expiry date

The purpose of placing a best-before date on products is to help consumers know when a food product may lose its gustatory, nutritional or microbiological qualities. There are two types of expiry dates: a use-by date (BBD) and a date of minimum durability (DMD), also known as a best-before date (BBD). But what does this mean?

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The expiry date: respect it at all costs

Best-before dates are affixed to rapidly perishable foods. Consumption after this date can be dangerous to health. It is easily identified by the phrase: 'Use by' followed by the expiration date.

The date varies according to the temperature at which the product has been stored. It is stamped by the manufacturer and set by regulations. It is important not to freeze products that are close to their use-by date. This date is typically found on fresh meats, yoghurts, ready-cooked meals, etc.

Once this date has passed, the products may look, smell and feel different, which may indicate the presence of bacteria harmful to health.

Minimum durability date (MDD)

While the best-before date requires greater attention to health, the date of minimum durability (DDM) concerns the specific qualities of a food, such as its nutritional qualities. Exceeding the date of minimum durability does not constitute a direct health hazard.

The date of minimum durability is identified by the phrase: 'Best before'. Once this date has passed, the manufacturer no longer guarantees the quality of the product: for example, coffee loses its aroma after a few months. However, this does not necessarily mean that the product is unfit for consumption! Some cakes, for example, can be enjoyed for a long time.

But whether we're talking about best-before or use-by dates, products must be stored at the right temperature, and their packaging must be intact. A product with swollen packaging, for example, should be discarded, even if its best-before date has not been exceeded.

This article has been translated from Gentside FR.