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.