Many people suffer from food illnesses because they do not know whether the food they eat is safe to consume. Therefore, it becomes essential to understand different terms, such as shelf life and expiration date, to be safe, especially when eating packaged food products. Every food product has the information mentioned on their packets; the awareness needs to be there to ensure no one eats spoiled food. Let’s understand shelf life meaning in depth and factors that matter the most while evaluating best before date vs expiry date.
Shelf Life Meaning
Any food product’s shelf life tells us how long it will be until it deteriorates or changes due to microbiological, chemical, or physical factors. Several internal and external variables influence this. The customer does not control the internal ones. Enzyme activity, pH values, physical composition, and microbe activation are a few of them.
Let’s talk about external factors, which are often the result of environmental reasons. These factors are in control, such as storing the food at the right temperature and under the right storage guidelines. Also, ensure no perishable items are stored nearby as they can spoil it.
Everything You Must Know About Expiry Date
Moving ahead from shelf life meaning, let’s understand what expiry date is. The expiry date is also called the expiration date. It is the last day a product is considered safe for use or consumption. When it comes to food products, it refers to the last day on which the manufacturer guarantees the product’s full safety and quality. That is only when you have stored the food in the right conditions.
After the expiration date, food may lose its nutritional content, flavour, and texture, making it not good to eat. It’s important to remember that the best before date vs expiry dates are not the same. The best before date means when the product is at the best to be eaten as it contains the right nutrition and quality. The best-before date discusses the product’s freshness, whereas the expiration date pertains to safety precautions. Food that has been properly kept can be eaten even after the finest has gone. To assess if a product is fit for consumption, you must also rely on your senses of taste, smell, and sight.
Even though the food product is close to its best-before date, throw it away if you notice that its consistency, colour, smell or flavour has changed. Additionally, remember that the best-before date only applies to products that are still unopened; once a product is opened, it is no longer valid, and you need to verify the expiry date.
What Happens If You Eat Expired Packaged Food
Once the expiration date has passed, the product’s flavour, nutritional value, and other elements may lose their quality. As a result, a product should never be consumed after it has expired. Eating food that has gone bad, especially packaged food, can result in food poisoning and other severe ailments.
Always pay close attention to the label on the packet and ensure the expiration date is on it. For instance, you must consume the bread before its expiration date of August 30, 2024. After this date, dispose of the remaining food to prevent health problems.
How is the Date of Expiration Calculated?
A product’s expiration date is set by its producer, considering several elements such as microbiological growth, temperature management, sensory changes, and kind of packaging. The producer also conducts thorough testing to ensure that a product has the best possible shelf life. The microbiological test aids in determining the development of bacteria responsible for foodborne illnesses.
Are the Expiration Date and Shelf Life the Same?
Even though both terms talk about food safety, there is a difference between shelf life and expiry date slideshare. People often confuse these terms and think of them as each other’s replacements. However, it is not the truth. The shelf life is when the product is safe and of good quality if kept under specified handling and storage conditions. On the other hand, the expiry date is when you must not consume the product as it is unsafe.
Tips to Consider Before Using Packaged Food
Packaged food products can be found in every household these days, and therefore, you must remember these tips before you consume it the next time:
- Look for the best before and expiry date and understand the difference between the two terms.
- Keep your packaged food per the storage guidelines to ensure it stays safe per the shelf life.
- Always trust your senses; if you feel something is odd, it is better to discard it than to consume it.
Last Words
Food is directly linked to your overall health, so one must be very sure what they eat. Understanding the different terms used on packaged food, such as shelf life meaning in depth, expiry date, best-before date, etc., can help you make informed choices. Remember not to eat the food even if you see the shelf life after expiration date, as the expiration date is crucial to consider for safety.
