Standing in front of an open fridge with a date that passed yesterday is a common moment. Here is what the dates mean in Canada, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Best before dates
A best before date tells you how long an unopened food will keep its quality, such as freshness and flavour, if it is stored properly. The CFIA says best before dates are not indicators of food safety, either before or after the date. It is also not illegal to sell food past its best before date.
Two details are easy to miss:
- The date applies to unopened food. Once you open the package, how long it keeps can change.
- Best before dates are generally required on prepackaged foods that last 90 days or less. Longer-lasting foods may not carry one, although many do.
Packaged on dates
Foods packaged at the store, such as some deli items or baked goods, may carry a "packaged on" date instead. It works together with information about how long the food keeps, either on the label or on a sign next to the food.
Expiration dates
An expiration date is different. The CFIA says food should not be bought, sold, or eaten after its expiration date. Check the label on any product that has one.
Practical tips
- Treat best before as a quality guide, not a deadline, for properly stored, unopened food.
- Never eat food that shows signs of spoilage, whatever the date says.
- Follow storage instructions on the package. A date is only reliable if the food was stored correctly.
- Be more careful with perishables and check the label and storage steps. If you are unsure, throw it out.
- Freeze before the date passes if you will not use something in time.
The bottom line
Understanding the difference can save money, because fewer foods end up in the garbage for the wrong reason. For the official rules, see the CFIA's date labelling pages.
Sources
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, "Date labelling on pre-packaged foods": https://inspection.canada.ca/food-labels/labelling/date-labelling-on-pre-packaged-foods/eng/1332357469487/1332357545633
- Moose Jaw Today, "Food Inspection Agency provides guideline on reading food product labels": https://moosejawtoday.com/local-news/food-inspection-agency-provides-guideline-on-reading-food-product-labels-8161008