Use by is about safety
A use by date is the most important date for safety. It appears on perishable foods such as fresh meat, fish, and chilled ready meals. Food should not be eaten, cooked, or sold after its use by date, even if it looks and smells fine, because harmful bacteria may have grown.
In the UK it is illegal to sell food after its use by date. Follow storage instructions carefully, and use freezing to extend life where the label allows.
Best before is about quality
A best before date is about quality, not safety. After this date, food is usually still safe to eat but may be past its best in flavour, texture, or appearance. It applies to ambient, frozen, and many long-life foods.
Selling food after its best before date is legal in the UK, provided the food is still safe and of acceptable quality. This is why so much clearance and liquidation stock is best-before dated.
Quick comparison
- Use by is a safety date: do not eat or sell after this date
- Best before is a quality date: often fine after the date if stored well
- Use by is found on perishable, chilled foods
- Best before is found on ambient, frozen, and long-life foods
Is it safe to eat food after the best before date?
Often, yes. Many ambient and frozen foods remain perfectly good for weeks or months after a best before date if they have been stored correctly and packaging is intact. Use your senses and judgment.
Use by is different: never eat food after its use by date. When in doubt on a perishable item, throw it out.
What this means for liquidation buyers and sellers
Most liquidation stock is best-before dated, which is why it can be sold and eaten with confidence around and after the date. Sellers must still describe the exact date and condition, and buyers should plan to use or sell stock in good time.
Understanding these dates reduces food waste: a best before date passing does not mean the food is rubbish.