Food labels may present us with two seemingly interchangeable terms — shelf life and expiration date — when trying to understand their contents, leading us down a confusing path. But these two concepts have distinct meanings which play crucial roles in food safety.
This post seeks to educate on what each term represents and their differences. Join us in exploring this fascinating world of food preservation and learn how to correctly interpret dates on packaging labels.
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Table of Contents
Food shelf life explained
Food shelf life refers to the period during which a food product — if properly stored — is expected to remain safe to consume and maintain its desired qualities. For fresh produce, this often involves appearance, taste, texture, and nutritional value. Here are the key aspects to understand.
Storage
Proper storage conditions are critical for extending the shelf life of produce. Produce should be stored in an environment with consistent temperature and low light levels, away from direct sunlight. Some items, such as apples and berries, may require refrigeration; potatoes and onions, however, should generally be left at room temperature.
Quality vs safety
Importantly, shelf life refers to quality rather than safety — past-dated fruits and vegetables might no longer look or taste their best but are generally still safe to eat, provided they are stored correctly.
Variability
Produce has an indefinite shelf life depending on its type, harvest season, and storage conditions. Bananas may only last several days post-ripening, while root vegetables like potatoes may last weeks longer.
Signs of expiry
Common signs that produce is past its shelf life include changes in color, texture, and smell. For example, fruits often become softer and develop a sweeter smell as they over-ripen, while vegetables might become slimy or start to emit a bad odor.
Expiration date explained
Expiration dates, often displayed as ‘use by’ or ‘best if used by’ dates, dictate the last day that a food product is guaranteed to be safe for consumption. Unlike shelf life, which is about quality, expiration dates are about safety. Here’s what you need to know.
Safety focused
Expiration dates are applied to food items that can spoil and become a potential health risk after a certain period. When a food product reaches its expiration date, it’s best to discard it to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Strict compliance
Unlike shelf life, the expiration date isn’t flexible. Consuming food past its expiration date can lead to food poisoning, as harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli may have multiplied.
Especially for perishables
Perishable items like dairy products, meat, seafood, and certain ready-to-eat meals typically come with an expiration date. For these products, adherence to the expiration date is particularly important.
Produce and expiration dates
Not all fruits and vegetables will have an expiration date. However, bagged, pre-cut, or pre-washed produce often does, as these items have a higher risk of bacterial contamination once the original produce is processed.
Storage impact
The validity of expiration dates assumes proper storage. For example, if dairy products aren’t refrigerated correctly, they can spoil before their expiration date.
Knowing the difference between shelf life vs expiration date is important
Both shelf life and expiration dates are important components of food safety. Shelf life allows you to assess the quality and freshness of food, while expiration dates ensure you’re not consuming anything that could potentially be harmful.
Remember – when it comes to safety concerns – it’s always wisest to err on the side of caution by discarding items past their expiration dates.