Use-by, Best-before, Sterilised Jars - Understanding Dates to Avoid Food Waste

Use-by, Best-before, Sterilised Jars - Understanding for Better Consumption

Every year, millions of tonnes of food are thrown away, often when they are still perfectly safe to eat. Confusion between the different date labels is one of the main causes. Let us decode these labels together to adopt more responsible and less wasteful consumption habits.

What is the Difference between Use-by and Best-before?

Use-by Date

The use-by date concerns fresh and highly perishable products : meat, fish, dairy... Once exceeded, consumption may present a health risk. The sale of products past their use-by date is strictly prohibited by law.

Best-before Date

The best-before date applies to dry and sterilised products : preserves, sauces, ready meals and sterilised food in jars. After this date, the product may lose slightly in taste or texture, without presenting any health risk.

Sterilised jar products can therefore be consumed several months or even years after the best-before date, provided they have been stored correctly.

Sterilised Jars : What You Need to Know

Sterilised food jars offer long-term preservation and fit perfectly into an anti-waste approach, particularly in Alsace where this preservation method is a centuries-old artisan tradition.

Check Points before Consumption

• The lid must not be bulging
• No leaks or rust marks
• No unusual smell when opened

If these conditions are met, the product is generally perfectly safe to consume, even after the indicated date.

Can Products be Sold after the Date?

• Expired use-by date : sale prohibited
• Expired best-before date : sale authorised and legal

Jar products are therefore frequently offered in anti-waste and food clearance channels.

Short Dates and Food Clearance

Food clearance allows the sale of still-consumable products that have been removed from conventional channels for various reasons : short date, packaging change or production stoppage. These products are offered at reduced prices, sometimes up to -50%, while complying with health standards.

Why Choose Short-date Products?

• Savings of 30% to 70% on identical products
• A concrete reduction in food waste
• Support for local and sustainable consumption

Responsible Consumption in Alsace

Choosing sterilised jar products with short dates means supporting local and sustainable consumption in Alsace, while promoting artisan know-how and responsible supply chains.

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