Best-before Dates and Use-by Dates

Best-before Dates "賞味期限shomikigen" and Use-by Dates "消費期限shohikigen"

When you buy food at a supermarket or store, you find the best-before date or use-by date on packages.

 

“Best-before” and “use-by” mean dates.

Best-before date: you can see until when you can enjoy the food in its most delicious state (as long as packages or lids are not opened).

These dates can be found on canned foods, cup noodles, bottled drinks, and retorted foods. You may be able to eat them even after the best-before date has passed. Check food for smell, appearance, color, taste, etc. If the condition of the food remains the same as before the best-before date, it can be eaten. Once packages or lids are opened, eat them as soon as possible.

Use-by date

you can see until when you can eat the food safely.

These dates can be found on lunch boxes, pre-cooked food (food made at stores), cakes, sandwiches, etc. It is best not to eat the food after the date or time indicated on the use-by date.

Food should be stored without opening packages or lids. It is important to store food according to the directions on the package. Look carefully at best-before and use-by dates.