The labelling requirement for showing a use-by or best-before date on packaged food, set out in Standard 1.2.5.
Date marking requirements are set out in Standard 1.2.5 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
A use-by date, used for foods that must be eaten by a certain date for safety, and a best-before date, used for foods that keep their quality up to a certain date.
Most packaged foods with a shelf life of two years or less need a date mark, but there are exemptions, including bread with a shelf life of less than seven days.
Yes, where meeting the date depends on particular storage conditions, such as refrigeration, those conditions must be stated on the label.
No. Altering or removing the date mark applied by the manufacturer is not permitted and can be an offence. Businesses should follow the date as labelled.