food labelling
Why is food labelling important?
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There are a number of reasons why correct labelling for food is important. Probably the most important, is so that you as the consumer know what is in the food you are eating. You can then make a decision whether to eat it or not.
Use by
Between the two labels, ‘use by’ is probably the most important. This tells you as a consumer that after the date shown, this food could become hazardous. Items such as meats, milk and other animal product will usually have a used by date. Often if the food has been prepared, cooked or previously been frozen it will have a use by date.
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Best before
This label is to warn you that the quality of the produce will be reduced from the date shown. Items can include (but not limited to) bread, eggs, some milks.
A good tip with best before is to look at the quality or do a sniff test. If it does look or smell like it should, do not consume and throw away.