GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Use-by date

The use-by date is the date printed on food packaging up to which a product is considered microbiologically safe for consumption.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/food-labelling/use-by-best-before

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Logistics Concept

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Definition & Explanation

The use-by date is the date printed on food packaging up to which a product is considered microbiologically safe for consumption. In freight logistics and warehouse management, it governs goods receipt, FEFO-based (First Expired, First Out) inventory control, and order picking: products past their use-by date must not be sold or dispatched. The use-by date is legally binding, and disposal is mandatory once it has passed – this applies in particular to animal-derived products and highly perishable goods. It differs from the best-before date, which is a quality indicator only: products stored beyond their best-before date are not automatically unsafe, but may have deteriorated in quality.

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Use-by date

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