Every year, thousands of tons of food will end up in Portugal. Much of this waste happens for a simple reason: the date that appears on the label. But is everything that passed the expiration date already damaged?
The answer may not be as linear as it seems. There are two different nominations in food products, and knowing the difference between them can avoid unnecessary expenses and preventable losses.
What do the validity deadlines really mean?
According to Deco proteststhere are two types of validity indication: “consume preferably before …” and “consume until …”. The first refers to the minimum durability date and applies, for example, masses, rice or cookies. The second is the consumer deadline, used in very perishable foods such as fresh meats, fish or meals ready.
According to the same source, products with minimum durability can be consumed after the deadline, provided they do not have changes in smell, taste or texture. On the contrary, foods with consumer deadline should be discarded as soon as they exceed this brand, as they may pose health risks.
Why the deadlines range from brands?
O FINANCE DOCTOR Explains that the validity deadlines are defined by the manufacturers themselves, taking into account their processes and conservation methods. Therefore, it is possible that two similar products from different brands have different deadlines.
This detail reinforces the need to observe the state of food and not just the date on the label. Appearance, smell and taste remain fundamental criteria for assessing the safety of consumption.
What if the package is already open?
The indicated shelf life applies only to closed packaging. Once the product is open, the deadline can no longer be valid. A common example is preserves: closed, can last years; Open, they should be consumed in 1 to 2 days.
According to the same source, contact with air, moisture and microorganisms accelerates deterioration. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions after opening and keeping the food in the cold if indicated.
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When is it safe to eat after the date?
If the food has the indication “preferably before…” and has been well stored, it can continue to be consumed. Still, you should check if you have no signs of deterioration. Already the products with the indication “consume until…” should be discarded as soon as they expire.
According to this distinction is important to ensure food security, but also to avoid unnecessary waste.
Practical Tip: Freeze before it spoils
If you bought it too much and realize that you will not be able to consume everything before the deadline, freeze. Bread, meat or vegetables are good examples of foods that can be stored longer in the freezer.
Products like chopped meat, as long as they are freely frozen, can be consumed safely weeks later. In the case of vegetables, some should be scalded before freezing to preserve the properties.
The importance of controlling waste
Correctly interpreting food dates not only helps to avoid disease but also reduce food waste. Each packaging reused is a gesture in favor of sustainability and home economy.
You can also activate notifications in your refrigerator or food management applications that warn you to products near the end of the validity. This type of support is useful especially in homes with large monthly purchases.
The validity of the information
Finally, it is important to remember that many discarded foods are still in a position to consume. A better understanding of labels can save money, reduce garbage and contribute to more sustainable habits.
The most important thing is to ensure that the food has always been well stored and that, even after the expiration date, it maintains its normal smell, smell and taste.
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