Use-by vs Best-before Dates in the UK

Use-by: safety

A use-by date is about food safety. Do not eat, cook or freeze food after its use-by date, even if it smells or looks normal. Follow the storage instructions on the label.

Best-before: quality

Best-before dates relate mainly to quality rather than a definitive safety limit. Texture, taste or appearance can deteriorate after this date. Storage and handling still matter.

Why a calculator cannot replace packaging

An estimated storage window is not permission to disregard a manufacturer’s use-by date. Opening the package may change the instructions, so check the label first.

Regional reference: These pages use UK food-safety authorities, not US storage figures. Guidance assumes appropriate temperature and handling; it cannot confirm that a particular food is safe. Follow any product use-by date and manufacturer storage instructions.

Sources: FSA: Date labelling ↗ · Food Standards Scotland: Date labels ↗