Best-Before Date
Definition
A date marking on food labels indicating the date until which the food will remain at its best quality if properly stored. Food may still be safe to consume after this date.
Regulatory Source
- Standard 1.2.5— Date marking of food for sale — mandatory best-before date format and placement rules
Last verified against current standards: April 2026
Regulatory authority: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Related Terms
Date Marking
The use of best-before or use-by dates on food packaging. Use-by dates indicate food safety limits and must not be exceeded. Best-before dates indicate quality and the food may still be safe after the date.
Food Standards Code
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code — the collection of standards governing food composition, labelling, safety, and production maintained by FSANZ.
Use-By Date
A date marking on food labels indicating the last date on which the food may be safely consumed. After the use-by date, the food must not be sold or consumed.