The key rule: best before vs use by
The single most important rule is the difference between the two dates. You may legally sell food after its best before date if it is still safe and of acceptable quality. You must not sell food after its use by date, which is a criminal offence.
Because of this, the overwhelming majority of short-dated stock traded through liquidation is best-before dated.
What you can sell
- Best-before food that is still safe and of acceptable quality, including after the date
- Short-dated stock with shelf life remaining, clearly described
- Ambient, frozen, and long-life products with intact packaging and labels
What you must not do
- Sell any food after its use by date
- Remove, cover, or alter date labels
- Sell food that is unsafe, spoiled, or contaminated
- Mislead buyers about dates, condition, or quantity
Labelling, allergens, and storage
Food must be correctly labelled, including the name, ingredients, allergen information, and the date. Do not tamper with existing labels. If you repack or break down bulk stock, you take on labelling responsibilities and should seek guidance.
Store and transport stock at the right temperature, especially chilled and frozen goods, and keep records where required. Businesses selling food usually need to register with their local authority.
Selling responsibly on a marketplace
A trustworthy marketplace supports compliance by verifying sellers and encouraging accurate listings. On ClearanceFood, sellers are approved before listing and are expected to describe dates, condition, and quantity honestly.
When in doubt about a specific product or your obligations, check Food Standards Agency guidance or your local authority, or take professional advice.