Ever wondered what those dates printed on your food packets actually mean? You may have noticed labels like “Best before” or “Expiry date” and asked if the food is still safe to eat.Many people throw away food too early, while others unknowingly consume products that may no longer be safe to eat.
As an NABL-accredited food testing laboratory, CoreValleys Herbal Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is here to help you understand these dates clearly so you can make safer, smarter food choices. Why Food Label Dates Matter? Food label dates are not just printed for formality. They are essential indicators of food quality, freshness and safety. These dates are determined through scientific testing and are required to comply with food safety regulations. Understanding them helps:Protect your healthReduce food wasteMake sure food businesses follow legal standardsBuild trust between brands and consumers
The Best Before Date tells you how long a food product will remain at its best quality. This means:The food tastes betterThe texture is rightThe aroma and appearance are as expected After the best-before date, the food may slowly lose quality, but it does not become unsafe immediately. Many dry and packaged foods like biscuits, rice, spices and snacks can still be consumed if stored correctly and if there are no signs of spoilage. In simple terms:Best Before = QualityNot a safety deadline
The Expiry Date is much more serious. It tells you how long the food is safe to consume. After this date:The product may grow harmful bacteriaNutritional value may changeConsuming it can be risky for health Foods like milk, dairy products, meat, baby food and medicines often carry expiry dates. These products should never be consumed after the expiry date, even if they look or smell fine. In short:Expiry Date = SafetyDo not consume after this date
Food label dates are decided through scientific testing, not assumptions. Food manufacturers must conduct appropriate studies to determine how long a product remains safe and fresh under specific storage conditions.This is where professional food testing becomes essential.
At CoreValleys, we support food manufacturers, brands and startups in meeting safety and labelling requirements through reliable testing services.
We scientifically determine how long a food product stays fresh and safe. This helps businesses decide accurate best-before and expiry dates.
We verify nutritional values, such as calories, fats, proteins, and sugars, so labels accurately reflect the product's actual contents.
We test food for harmful substances, including bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals, to ensure it is safe for consumption.
We help businesses comply with food safety regulations by checking whether labels meet legal standards, including date marking, ingredient labelling and nutritional information. Why Accurate Labelling Is Important Incorrect or misleading food labels can:Put consumer health at riskLead to legal penaltiesDamage brand reputationReduce customer trust
Food label dates are simple once you understand them. Best-before dates focus on quality, while expiry dates focus on safety. Knowing the difference helps you make better food choices and avoid unnecessary risks. At CoreValleys, we work behind the scenes to make sure food products are safe, compliant and honestly labelled. Whether you are a food manufacturer or a growing brand, our expert testing services help you deliver products people can trust. Want to make sure your food products are safe and compliant?Let’s connect!
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