Best Before vs Use By
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Use-by date vs. Best-before date: What's the difference and how to interpret them?
In supermarket aisles, we often find two types of dates on food packaging: the use-by date (DLC - Date Limite de Consommation) and the best-before date (DLUO - Date Limite d'Utilisation Optimale), now called DDM (Date de Durabilité Minimale). But what do these mentions really mean, and how can we respect them without unnecessary waste? Let's decipher.
🔴 Use-by date (DLC)
What is it?
The DLC (Use-by Date) indicates a date beyond which consumption of the product may pose a health risk. It concerns fresh and perishable products such as meat, fish, dairy products, etc.
How to recognize it?
It is indicated on the packaging with the mention:
👉 "Use by..." followed by the precise date.
What to do after the use-by date?
⚠️ Do not consume the product after this date, as there may be a risk of dangerous bacteria developing (salmonella, listeria, etc.).
Examples of products concerned:
- Fresh meat and fish
- Fresh dairy products (yogurts, fresh cream)
- Fresh ready meals
- Vacuum-packed charcuterie
- Prepared salads
🟡 DLUO / DDM: Best-before date
What is it?
Formerly called DLUO, the Best-Before Date (DDM) indicates until when the product retains its optimal taste and nutritional qualities. But it remains consumable after this date without danger to health!
How to recognize it?
It appears with the mention:
👉 "Best before..." followed by the date.
Can it be consumed after the best-before date?
✅ Yes! A product whose best-before date has passed may be less tasty, less crispy, or lose some of its nutritional properties, but it poses no health risk. Simply check the appearance, smell, and taste before consuming.
Examples of products concerned:
- Pasta, rice, flour
- Chocolate, biscuits
- Coffee, tea, spices
- Canned goods, freeze-dried meals
- Carbonated drinks and alcohol
🔄 Tips to limit food waste
-
Don't throw away a product as soon as its best-before date has passed: trust your senses (sight, smell, taste).
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Rotate your pantry items by placing older products at the front.
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Be mindful of store offers: promotions on products close to their use-by date are interesting if you consume them quickly.
- Consider freezing to extend the shelf life of certain foods (meat, bread, ready meals).
In summary
| 🔹 | Use-by date (DLC - Date Limite de Consommation) | Best-before date (DLUO / DDM - Date de Durabilité Minimale) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of date | Food safety | Taste and nutritional quality |
| Wording | "Use by..." | "Best before..." |
| Can it be eaten after? | ❌ NO (health risk) | ✅ YES (loss of taste, but no danger) |
| Examples | Meat, fish, dairy products, fresh meals | Pasta, rice, biscuits, canned goods |
In short: respect the use-by date to avoid any risk, but don't unnecessarily waste products past their best-before date!
More explanation in this video: