Standard 1.2.5 - Date marking of food — Food Safety Glossary

The Food Standards Code standard that governs use-by and best-before dates on packaged food.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between use-by and best-before?

A use-by date is about safety and food must not be sold or eaten after it, while a best-before date is about quality and food may still be sold and eaten afterwards if it is safe and suitable.

Can a business sell food after its best-before date?

Yes, provided the food is still safe and suitable and has not deteriorated or been damaged, though it cannot be sold after a use-by date.

Which foods carry a use-by date?

Foods that may become unsafe to eat after a certain time, such as many chilled ready-to-eat products, carry a use-by date.

Does all packaged food need a date mark?

Most packaged food needs a date mark, though some products with a long shelf life, such as those that keep for more than two years, are exempt under the standard.

Who is responsible for the correct date mark?

The business that packages and labels the food is responsible for applying the correct type of date mark under Standard 1.2.5.

Standard 1.2.1 - Requirement to have labels or otherwise provide information Standard 1.2.4 - Information requirements (ingredient labelling) Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Food safety glossary Food safety guides
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