There are two types of people when it comes to date labels on food and consumables:
those who trust their senses and say “this still looks fine”, and those who immediately discard a product the moment a date is reached. Understanding best before vs use-by dates is essential for making informed decisions about food safety, quality, and waste reduction in South Africa. While many consumers discard products as soon as a date is reached, not all date markings carry the same meaning or level of risk.
Being cautious is never a bad thing, but understanding what these dates actually mean can save money, reduce waste, and help businesses make informed decisions—especially in times where every rand counts.
In South Africa, the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972), together with Regulation 146 of 1 March 2010, requires all packaged food products to carry date markings. These markings are regulated and must be clearly displayed on packaging.
Importantly, South African legislation does not officially recognise the term “expiry date”. Instead, products are marked with Sell-by, Best-before, or Use-by dates—each with a very specific meaning.
Sell-by Dates
Understanding best before vs use-by dates helps consumers and businesses make informed decisions, reduce waste, and prioritise food safety in South Africa. Sell-by dates are primarily intended for retailers.
Sometimes also labelled as “Display Until”, this date indicates the last day the product should be offered for sale. After this date, the product still allows for a reasonable storage period at the consumer’s home, provided it has been stored correctly.
Best-before Dates
Best Before vs Use-By: What’s the Difference? Best-before dates apply mainly to non-perishable products.
This is a quality indicator, not a safety warning. Products are generally safe to consume after their best-before date, although factors such as taste, texture, colour, or performance may gradually change over time.
In simple terms:
- The product is still safe
- Quality may no longer be at its peak
- It may not perform or taste exactly as originally intended
Many retailers legally sell products past their best-before date at a reduced price, as long as consumers are informed.
Use-by dates
Knowing best before vs use-by guidelines allows retailers and consumers to reduce unnecessary waste while remaining compliant with South African food safety regulations. Use-by dates are critical for safety.
These dates apply to perishable items such as:
- Meat, poultry and fish
- Dairy products
- Ready-to-eat foods
Products should not be consumed after the use-by date, even if they look or smell acceptable. Once this date has passed, the product should be discarded to avoid potential health risks.
Can Products Be Sold After the Best-before Date?
Yes. Products may legally be sold after their best-before date, provided:
- They remain within safety guidelines
- Storage conditions have been met
- Consumers are clearly informed
- The product is typically sold at a reduced price
Many retailers and specialised stores operate responsibly in this space, helping reduce unnecessary waste while still complying with food safety regulations.