When is food safe to eat after its expiration date? The key is distinguishing labels

The European Union has for years used a system of date marking on food products to balance safety with waste reduction. Two main formulations are mandatory on packaging, and correctly distinguishing between them is crucial for every consumer. The first, 'use by' (Italian 'consumare entro'), indicates a safety deadline. After this date, consuming the product may pose a real health risk, especially for foods particularly susceptible to bacterial growth. The second, 'best before' (Italian 'consumare preferibilmente entro'), mainly concerns the so-called minimum durability date. This means that after this date passes, the product may lose taste, texture, or nutritional value, but it usually does not become harmful. The EU regulation on the provision of food information to consumers (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council) precisely regulates the rules for date marking. The introduction of a clear distinction aimed both to protect health and combat food waste, estimated at tens of millions of tons annually in the EU alone. Nutrition expert Laura De Gara explains that the key is understanding this fundamental difference. For products such as fresh milk, ground meat, some soft cheeses, or eggs, the 'use by' date is an absolute limit for microbiological safety. However, for dry products (pasta, rice, tea), canned goods, or products high in sugar or salt (jams, pickles), the 'best before' date allows much more flexibility. The Italian source (Adnkronos) also emphasizes the role of common sense – before consuming a product past its date, one should assess its appearance, smell, and texture. The Spanish newspaper 'El Mundo' adds that proper label interpretation is an element of a healthy lifestyle, combining care for one's own health with ecological responsibility. „Comprender la diferencia entre estas dos etiquetas es fundamental para evitar el desperdicio innecesario de alimentos, que es ética y ambientalmente insostenible, y al mismo tiempo protegerse a uno mismo y a la familia de los riesgos.” (Understanding the difference between these two labels is fundamental to avoid unnecessary food waste, which is ethically and environmentally unsustainable, and at the same time protect oneself and one's family from the risks.) — Laura De Gara A practical approach to dates can significantly reduce the amount of food thrown away, which directly impacts household budgets and the natural environment.