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The durable life of food products is defined by the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations as the amount of time, starting on the day a food is packaged, that the unopened food will retain its normal wholesomeness, palatability and nutritional value, when stored under appropriate conditions. Manufacturers and retailers must determine the durable life of foods they manufacture and sell. Dating information indicates quality not food safety.
Any pre-packaged food product having a durable life of 90 days or less must have a durable life date on the label and instructions for proper storage if different than room temperature. The durable life date is expressed on food labels as the "best before" date. To find the durable life information on a food product look for the statement "best before" coupled with the month and date, for example, best before OC 15. It may not say "best before" if there is an explanation of the significance of the durable life date somewhere else on the label. If the year is required for clarity, the durable life date must be given with the year first (at least the last two digits), followed by the month and then the day. “Best before” labelling is enforced by the federal government’s Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and its inspectors, who review food labels for accuracy, investigate complaints and charge offenders. Manufacturers of foods with a durable life of more than 90 days can put “best before” dates on foods but the date is not required.
Products packaged at the retail store have a “packaged on” date which must be accompanied by the durable life of the food, except where it appears on a poster next to the food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are exempt from this labelling but meat must follow the regulations.
For drugs and natural health products, an “expiry date” is used to indicate the shelf life and the stability of the product. Expiry date is not a term used with food in Canada. The only exception is infant formula which does carry an expiration date.
Manufacturer’s Codes
A series of numbers or letters or a combination on a food package are production codes using a system set up by the food manufacturer. They are not meant to be interpreted by consumers. If the food label includes a toll free consumer line, contact the manufacturer for an interpretation of the code.
Products Sold Past the “Best Before” Date
Products can be sold after their best before date provided that:
1) The product is not labeled, packaged, treated, processed or advertised in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive.
2) The product is fit for human consumption:
a) does not contain any poisonous or harmful substances,
b) does not consist in whole or in part any filthy, putrid, disgusting, rotten, decomposed or diseased animal or vegetable substance
c) is not adulterated
d) was not manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged or stored under unsanitary conditions.
Consuming Food past the “Best Before” Date
The durable life date is valid only for unopened product. Once opened, the product should be consumed rapidly. Foods susceptible to spoilage should not be consumed if the “best before” date is passed. Even if a food shows no signs of spoilage, it can harbour pathogenic microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness. Foods that are not susceptible to spoilage can usually be consumed past their “best before” date; these foods may have lost some of their original flavour and nutritional value. Use your senses (sight, smell) and common sense to decide if it is appropriate to eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Information Sources
Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2002). Durable life information on food products. Retrieved from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/tipcon/lifee.shtml
Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2003). 2003 Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising. Retrieved from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/guide/toce.shtml
Health Canada. (2006). Food and Drugs Act Part B: Foods. Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/legislation/acts-lois/fda-lad/index_e.html