Best before isn’t the same as use by.

A date label is useful only if you understand what it means. Exact requirements vary by country and product, so follow local guidance and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Use by: a safety boundary

For foods carrying a use-by date, do not eat them after that date—even if they look or smell normal. Harmful organisms may not produce obvious signs. Follow refrigeration and handling instructions throughout.

Best before: usually about quality

Best-before labels generally refer to quality when the product is stored correctly. They do not guarantee that a food is safe in all conditions. Poor storage, damaged packaging and visible spoilage still matter.

Once opened, the instructions may change

“Use within three days of opening” can become the relevant limit before the printed date. Record the earlier applicable date in your pantry and keep the original packaging information.

What SmartFood Saver can do

The app orders the dates you enter and blocks marking a past-use-by item as eaten. It cannot inspect food or certify safety. When uncertain, follow qualified food-safety guidance rather than a recipe recommendation.

Reference: Food Standards Agency: best-before and use-by dates.