Use-by or best-before on a label?

Verify date wording against product class and current market rules; record storage and after-opening instructions too.

15 November 2024Updated 23 September 2026

Short answer

Verify the date type for the product class, target market and current competent-authority rules; do not copy it from a similar product. Match the producer's shelf-life study, storage conditions and after-opening instructions to label approval. Reconfirm with regulatory and quality owners when wording or market changes.

Date wording depends on product class and the current rule in the market where it is sold. Do not automatically transfer wording from a product that merely looks similar.

For label review, identify product class, target market, storage conditions and the producer's shelf-life basis. File a current competent-authority source or specialist regulatory assessment.

Have product, quality and regulatory owners approve the date type and wording. Check after-opening use, refrigeration and storage directions against the product study and current requirements.

If language or rules differ by market, control each label version by country, date and product code. Reassess label impact after regulatory or formulation changes.

Date type and shelf-life wording should follow a product-specific validated study and authorized approval. A generic food rule or consumer sensory opinion alone is not sufficient support.