Ever wondered what the difference is between "Best before" and "Use by"?

Use by It is a legal requirement that this date is carried on all perishable products (dairy, fish and meat). "Use by" dates are set up food company scientists who calculate the perishability of every product by examining, for example, how quickly bacteria grows on a food.

Best before The only other date label required by law, "Best before" is carried by non-perishable, cupboard-storable goods and denotes the period during which food is at optimum quality. After the "Best before" date a food may lose its flavour or texture. it is not a label that relates to the safety or otherwise of consuming a product.