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Knowledge base · Label and ingredients

Dates on food labels: what is the difference between “use by” and “best before”?

The “use by” date is primarily a food safety limit, while the “best before” date mainly refers to quality. The product's storage instructions and the time after opening must always be taken into account as well.

Source and review

Food Standards Australia New Zealand — Use-by and best-before dates

Open source ↗

Evidence level
source_collected_editorial_review_pending
Last editorial review
2026-07-14

Macrovia provides planning information and does not replace personal healthcare.

#use by#best before#date labelling#food safety
Macrovia supports planning and informed choices; it does not replace personal healthcare.