If you have not noticed all the foods, they have a date indicated on a “expiration date” and in others as “preferably before” or Best Before. And of course it’s not the same.

The expiry date appears primarily in vulnerable or potentially dangerous foods. This date indicates the last day that the product should be consumed for security reasons. Foods that have expiry date are usually fresh meats, dairy products and some prepared foods.

“Preferably before” is generally detected in non -lesious, firm foods such as canned products, packaged snacks, pasta, rice, etc. Unlike the expiry date, the Best Before date indicates the period during which the quality, taste and nutritional value of the food is guaranteed by the producer.

The Best Before date provides valuable guidance, after the end of that date the product has changed in texture, taste or appearance, resulting in its reduced quality. In most cases, however, this does not have an immediate risk to health.

Foods can be consumed safely even after the stated date “preferably before” provided that the storage instructions have been observed and the packaging has not worn, but the product may have begun to lose its taste and texture.
Before you throw away foods that have exceeded the date ‘consumption preferably before’, check if the packaging is intact and if

Food biologist and scientist Nikos Gdontelis speaking in Studio 4 had said:

“To have the expiration date is a date that is important. It is advisable to distinguish if it is an expiry date or preferably before. In the first case it is considered that the product after the date indicated may not be a safe and a microbial load may have been created. The second case is a statement by the food manufacturer who says that up to that date he considers that he has safety and the qualitative characteristics to be okay. So if it satisfies you can prolong time for a reasonable time. “