Shelf life vs expiry date: Do you know the difference between the two?

Understanding the difference between a product’s expiry date and shelf life is necessary for ensuring safety and efficacy, especially in food, medications, and cosmetics. Addressing this crucial aspect Dr Agni Kumar Bose, a dermatologist and dermatosurgeon, explained on Instagram: “The expiry date is always clearly mentioned BUT a symbol denotes the shelf life. Shelf life means how long the product will be viable AFTER OPENING it.”

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Here’s what you’ll need to understand.

The expiry date, also known as the “expiration date,” indicates the last date a manufacturer guarantees a product’s full potency and safety. “After this date, the product should not be used as it may be less effective or potentially harmful. On the other hand, shelf life refers to when a product remains usable, fit for consumption, or saleable while retaining its intended quality under specified storage conditions,” said Dr Pooja Aggarwal, senior consultant, dermatology, Artemis Hospitals.

Expiry date: This indicates the date until which the product is safe to use and maintains its efficacy when unopened. “Beyond this date, the product may not be safe to use,” explained Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist and cosmetologist, Shareefa’s Skin Care Clinic.

Shelf life: This refers to the period the product remains effective after it has been opened. Look for the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, usually depicted as an open jar with a number (e.g., 12M means 12 months),” noted Dr Chause.

Shelf life is typically denoted as “Use By,” or “Sell By” dates on packaging.

Guide to reading labels:

When reading labels, it is important to distinguish between these terms.

“Best Before” dates usually relate to the quality of the product, such as taste and texture, and are often found on non-perishable items like canned goods and snacks. These products can generally be consumed after the “Best Before” date, but they may not taste as good. “Use By” and “Expiry” dates are more critical as they relate to safety, particularly for perishable items like dairy, meat, and pharmaceuticals. These items should not be consumed or used past their indicated dates to avoid health risks,” said Dr Aggarwal.

While examining labels, pay close attention to storage instructions, as improper storage can significantly reduce both shelf life and the time until expiry. For instance, refrigerated items should be kept at the correct temperature to maintain their safety and quality. “Furthermore, once opened, many products have a reduced shelf life, irrespective of the printed date. This information is often found in the fine print on the packaging,” added Dr Aggarwal.

For medications, always follow the storage instructions and heed the expiry date to ensure effectiveness and safety. Misusing expired medications can lead to reduced efficacy or harmful side effects, emphasised Dr Aggarwal.

 

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A post shared by Dr. Agni Kumar Bose (@doctor.agni)

It is also important to consider that certain products, like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, may have more complex storage requirements and expiry details.

In short, always check the type of date printed on the label and understand its significance. Follow storage instructions strictly, be aware of changes in shelf life once a product is opened, and never use products beyond their “Use By” or “Expiry” dates to ensure safety and quality. By doing so, you can avoid potential health risks and make informed decisions about product usage.

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