Don't be afraid of the expiry date on the product packaging, it is indicative

Don't be afraid of the expiry date on the product packaging, it is indicative

Minimum durability date, use-by date, freezing date

There are two categories of expiry dates for food products: minimum durability date and use-by date. A health risk only arises from passing the use-by date. For frozen products, there is a freezing date indicating when the product was frozen, or the first freezing date if frozen multiple times. The use-by date is the date after which consuming the product may become hazardous to health. It is listed on perishable and packaged foods. For example, pre-sliced meat, sausages, chilled ready meals, yoghurts.

The minimum durability date is an indicative date both for food and cosmetics. After this recommended date, the product may slightly change in flavour or nutritional properties (e.g. reduction of vitamin content), but it is not hazardous to health. It greatly depends on whether it has been opened or if it is vacuum-sealed (as is often the case with rice). This category includes dry, sterilised or dehydrated products (coffee, milk, fruit juices, dry cake mixes, canned goods etc.). The purpose of placing the minimum durability date on food labelling is to inform consumers of the date until which these foods will retain their organoleptic, physical, nutritional, flavour and other natural properties.

For canned products (metal tins), judging product stability and suitability for consumption requires considering more than the minimum durability date, such as the external appearance of the can. Any change like deformation, rust marks, bulging etc. may indicate a product change. For microbiologically fast perishables, the minimum durability date is replaced by a use-by date (see above).

A product with a minimum durability date can be offered for sale even if it is approaching or slightly past the date indicated on the packaging, for example in clearance sales. It can be consumed if the packaging is undamaged and it has been stored properly.

Accuracy of the date depends on product shelf life:

  • Less than 3 months: The manufacturer can indicate only the day and month on the product.
  • Between 3 months and 18 months: The manufacturer can indicate only the month and year on the product.
  • For products with over 18 months minimum durability, the manufacturer may indicate only the year by which it should be consumed.

Freezing date corresponds to the date the product was frozen, or the first freezing date if frozen multiple times. This date must be indicated on the following products:

  • Frozen meat and meat semi-finished products
  • Frozen unprocessed fish products (fish, seafood etc.)

The label must state the words Frozen product on ... followed by day, month and year or refer to where this is indicated. If you have frozen food at home past the use-by date, it must be consumed immediately after thawing and not re-frozen.

How to use products with a minimum durability date

Everything depends on one single thing. When you open the product, you should use it regularly or if it is a food with a minimum durability date, it is good to eat it as soon as possible after the date. To successfully preserve product properties, attention should be paid to storage conditions or shelf life after opening, which is also indicated on the product label.

When you buy these foods from us in clearance sales:

  • For spices, they can be used long-term if protected from light and moisture.
  • For flours past the recommended minimum durability date, always check their overall condition before use.
  • Natural honey can be consumed without problems for several years.
  • Regarding condiments (mustard, ketchup), you can safely eat them even after the minimum durability date. They may lose some flavour but are still edible.
  • Dry products such as biscuits, dry mixes for preparation or coffee, can also be safely consumed if stored well in dry conditions, away from light and moisture.

Can you use an unopened cosmetic product that has reached its minimum durability date?

In cosmetics, we talk about expiry or minimum durability date, the date until which the product, stored under suitable conditions, retains its original function. This information is not mandatory if the product lasts more than 30 months. Such a product will indicate the period after opening when it is safe and can be used without harm to the consumer (period after opening). The open jar pictogram is used. For example, if your serum can be used for 7 months after opening, you will see the pictogram followed by the words: 7M.

The minimum durability date on products with a life less than 30 months is usually accompanied by the words consume by, EXP or minimum durability until. Products that have just passed the minimum durability date and were never opened, have been well stored, have an intact package, a tightly sealing cap, are still in the original box and their texture corresponds to the usual form of the product you are used to, have not changed their smell or organoleptic properties after opening, can be used. For anhydrous products, when stored in a fridge, they are usable even six months after expiry of the minimum durability date.

The generally stated shelf life for cosmetic products is:

Make-up

Facial care

  • Products like serums, eye creams, moisturisers, liquid masks, cleansing cosmetics etc.: shelf life is 8 months for products in jars to be opened / 12 months for pump bottle products.
  • Make-up remover and micellar water: 12 months.
  • Sunscreen: Only one season, because UV filters become less effective over time, so make sure to replenish your sunscreen stocks at the start of summer.

Body care

  • Body care products like body butters, scrubs: 9 to 12 months.
  • Body oils: 18 months.
  • Shampoos and shower gels: 24 to 36 months.
  • Fragrances: 24 months.

Overall appearance of cosmetics: What to watch for

If despite all signs you still doubt whether you can use your unopened cosmetic product past its expiry, it is necessary to look at its overall appearance. The post-opening expiry is the basic indicator to guarantee stability and safety of products. It depends on composition, type of cosmetics (liquid, cream, powder) and presence of preservatives. For example, serum or moisturiser should be used within 6 to 12 months of opening, while lipstick may last up to 24 months. Once opened, you can check three properties:

  • Texture: If the texture seems different from what you are used to, it may indicate your product is no longer suitable for use. Too liquid, too thick, or lumpy consistencies are signs suggesting the product is no longer appropriate.
  • Scent: If for example, in the morning after opening mascara you notice a stronger scent than usual, it is best to discard it.
  • Colour: If your cream is normally white and recently appears slightly yellowed, it is not wise to continue using it.

Best practices for storing cosmetic products

You should pay attention to natural and homemade cosmetic products, especially those containing water. Actually, their shelf life may shorten because germs and bacteria can multiply faster than in regular products, despite the presence of natural antimicrobial substances (sorbic acid and salicylic acid). Part of the answer to whether you can use an unopened cosmetic product past its expiry will depend on how you stored it. A well-stored product may last longer than generally expected. Here are some tips on handling it:

  • Store your product in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. A fridge is much better for preserving the original properties of natural cosmetic products than a bathroom cabinet.
  • Do not expose your product to direct sunlight. Because natural products undergo oxidation due to excessive light and heat.
  • If the product has no dropper, always scoop it with a spatula or thoroughly wash your hands before applying.
  • Always tightly close containers after use to limit exposure to air and bacteria.
  • Regularly clean brushes and sponges to reduce bacterial counts on your face.