WILLEMSTAD – Fundashon pa Konsumidó is warning consumers in Curaçao to carefully check the different date labels found on food packaging, explaining that misunderstanding these dates can lead to unnecessary food waste or health risks.
According to the consumer foundation, shoppers often encounter various terms such as “best before,” “expiry date,” “use by,” and “best by,” each of which has a different meaning and legal implication.
What ‘Best Before’ Means
A best before date indicates the minimum shelf life of a product, usually until the end of the month listed on the package. After this date, the product may no longer be sold legally, but it can still be safe to consume if it looks, smells, and tastes normal.
“The quality and flavor may decline after the best before date,” the foundation explains. However, the product remains safe as long as there are no signs of spoilage, such as mold, discoloration, or an unusual odor.
‘Expiry Date’ and ‘Use By’ Are Stricter
An expiry date or use by date is far more strict. Products should not be consumed after this date, as they may no longer be safe or effective.
“Products may not be consumed after the expiry date to avoid health risks,” Fundashon pa Konsumidó stressed. Selling products beyond their expiry date may be considered a violation of consumer protection rules, and authorities can take enforcement measures.
American ‘Best By’ Label
Many American products use the term best by, which has the same meaning as best before. It indicates the period during which the product maintains its best quality, taste, and texture, rather than food safety.
Advice for Consumers
The foundation advises consumers to:
- Always check date labels when shopping
- Avoid damaged packaging
- Never purchase products without labels or visible dates
At home, consumers should store products according to the instructions on the packaging, such as “keep refrigerated” or “store in a cool, dry place.” If there is any doubt about a product’s smell, color, or texture, it is safer to discard it.
“Correct storage is fundamental,” the foundation said. “If a product is not stored properly, it can lose quality or become a health risk.”
Fundashon pa Konsumidó hopes that better understanding of food date labels will help consumers make safer choices while reducing unnecessary food waste.