Best Before Dates

[1581960]

Does a best before date on food mean exactly that (best before) or should you be able to eat it on that date?

[ToraToraTora]

The clue is in the name, "best before" - it doesn't suddenly go off. Most things are fine for a few days after.

[pastafreak]

It only means what it says. It won't go off and will likely be good for days...even weeks after.

[Canary42]

Marketing ploy

[pastafreak]

https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/best-before-and-use-by-dates

[pastafreak]

In what way is it a marketing ploy canary?  Do you mean confusing people like the OP...who may be inexperienced in judging quality. 

[Canary42]

It makes people buy more food having thrown away perfectly good stuff because of the BBF dates.

[ToraToraTora]

18:46 yes but they are idiots, I just taste/smell if it's ok I eat it, not bothered about the date. Some people are just plain stupid.

[barry1010]

Best before dates should be banned. Use by dates on foodstuffs that could make you ill if they've gone off is sufficient 

[gingejbee]

^It's sad that many people still can't differentiate between "use by" and "best before".

[miser]

best before dates do have a useful function in that if you have more than one packet/tin of an item you can identify the oldest one and use it first 

[Barmaid]

I generally ignore ALL dates on food packaging and rely on my nose and eyes.

[1581960]

All very helpful, many thanks.

[pastafreak]

Thank you for BA 1581960

[Canary42]

Yes miser, I admit to using that ploy. 

[dave50]

Can't believe people who actually throw food away based on these dates, idiots. 

[ladybirder]

Smell does it for me and keeping it in the fridge all the time.

[gingejbee]

...but "best before end" dates don't appear on perishable items. They appear on cans, packets and jars etc which are kept in cupboards at ambient temperature. The dates are usually several months (and even several years) after purchase.