Community Operations
Consumer Affairs Tip Sheets
"Best Before" Dates
Did you know that many canned or packaged foods must be used within 90 days if you want the best quality from your purchase?
Packaged or canned foods that should be used within the 90 day period must have a label that reads "Best Before" with a date following. This date indicates the end of a product's full nutritional value.
If stored properly, the product should keep its normal eating and nutritional quality until the date shown on the package or can. However, once the package is opened and some of the food is removed, the date no longer applies. Refrigerated foods will probably last longer than the date indicates, but there could be some loss of quality. Some products such as milk, cheese and eggs also have expiry dates marked on their packaging. These products must often be consumed within two or three weeks of the purchase date. Close attention should be paid to the expiry date.
The use of a "best before" date is not required on fresh meat, fruit or vegetables. Packages of fish, meat and poultry that are sold in a store often have a "pack date" marked on them. This date tells you what day the product was manufactured, processed or packaged. It does not say whether the product is too old to be eaten safely.
If frozen meat has been allowed to thaw before it is offered to customers, the words "previously frozen" must appear near the food. This food should be stored in the refrigerator and used within one or two days of purchasing.
If you purchase a product that is spoiled when the "best before" date indicates that the product should still be good, don't take any of the food out of the package. Return it to the store as soon as possible to get a refund or exchange on the product.
Some products might spoil before the "best before" dates. Remember, these dates are merely helpful guidelines for indicating the maximum storage time of many food items.
For more information, call collect or e-mail our Consumer Affairs Officer at MACA headquarters in Yellowknife at: (867) 873-7125.