Have you ever found yourself standing in front of a pot of yoghurt or a packet of pasta, hesitating about whether it’s still safe to eat because of a date? Between “Use by” and “Best before”, confusion is common. Yet, distinguishing between the Use-By Date (DLC) and the Best-Before Date (DDM) is essential—not only for your food safety, but also to effectively fight against food waste. Let’s clarify these two regulatory mentions found on all our packaging.
What is the Use-By Date (DLC)?
The DLC, or Use-By Date, is a crucial label for highly perishable food products. It appears with the phrase “Use by…” followed by the day, month and sometimes the year.
It applies to products that, after a certain period, may pose an immediate health risk due to microbial growth. Think of fresh meats, fish, fresh dairy products (yoghurts, cottage cheese), or chilled ready meals. Beyond this date, even if the product looks, smells, or tastes fine, the risk of food poisoning is real.
The regulation is clear: it is strictly forbidden to sell or consume a product after its Use-By Date. It’s a matter of public health.
What is the Best-Before Date (DDM)?
The DDM, or Best-Before Date, was previously known as the “Best Before End” (BBE) or “Best Before Use Date.” It is indicated by the phrase “Best before…” or “Best before end…”.
Unlike the Use-By Date, the DDM applies to products that do not present any health risk after the indicated date, provided they have been stored properly and the packaging remains intact. These are dry, sterilised, or dehydrated foods such as rice, pasta, dry biscuits, coffee, canned goods, or oils.
If the DDM has passed, the product may simply have lost some of its organoleptic qualities: slightly less flavour, a modified texture, or a duller colour. But it’s still edible! The right approach is to **look**, **smell**, and then **taste** a small amount before deciding to throw it away. It’s a simple habit that helps prevent waste.
Comparison table: DDM vs DLC
To make things clearer, here’s a comparison table showing the main differences between these two essential mentions:
| Criterion | DDM (Best-Before Date) | DLC (Use-By Date) |
|---|---|---|
| Label on packaging | “Best before” | “Use by” |
| Products concerned | Dry, non-perishable (pasta, cereals) | Fresh and perishable (meat, fish) |
| After the date | Still consumable | Consumption forbidden |
| Health risk | None, only quality loss | Real and serious health risk |
| Sale after date | Yes, if product remains safe | No, strictly prohibited |
Here’s an infographic to help you understand the differences!
Why it’s important to distinguish between the two
Understanding this distinction is crucial for several reasons:
- To avoid unnecessary food waste: Did you know that tonnes of food are thrown away every year in France even though they’re still perfectly edible, just because their DDM has passed? By knowing the difference, you actively help reduce waste.
- To adopt good storage and sorting habits: Knowing whether a product should be kept refrigerated or in a dry cupboard makes all the difference depending on its DLC or DDM.
- To understand the obligations of manufacturers and retailers: Professionals cannot sell products past their Use-By Date, under penalty of fines. However, products past their Best-Before Date can still be sold, provided their quality has not deteriorated.
For food industry professionals, optimising product shelf life is an ongoing challenge. Innovative solutions now make it possible to extend the DDM of packaged pastries, for instance, without compromising safety or quality. To learn more, read our article on Solutions to extend the Best-Before Date (DDM).
Common questions
Can a product be sold after its Best-Before Date?
Yes, a retailer can sell a product past its DDM as long as it remains safe and of good quality. It usually must be clearly indicated and can often be sold at a reduced price.
What does “Best before end…” mean?
This mention indicates a Best-Before Date over a longer period, typically for products with a very long shelf life. It means that the product will retain all its optimal qualities until the end of the indicated month and year.
What are the penalties for selling products past their Use-By Date?
Selling an expired product past its Use-By Date is a serious offence. According to French consumer law, it can result in a fine of up to €1,500 per non-compliant product, or more in cases of recurrence or proven health risks.
