Use By Date

What does it mean?

The 'Use By' date is a clear instruction that food must be used by that date. This date coding applies to highly perishable foods which could become a food safety risk over short time periods.  Consuming food after this date could put you and your family at risk from food poisoning.

What foods does it apply to?

The following are examples:

• Cooked meat
• Pre-packed sandwiches
• Milk
• Chilled ready prepared meals

What does the law say?

It is illegal for businesses to sell food at any time after its use by date or to alter the date unless the manufacturers permission has been give.

What should I do if I find items of food on sale past its 'Use By' date? 

It is a legal offence for businesses to have food on sale past its use by date.

If you see such items you can tell the proprietor of the business of their legal obligation.

If you purchase an item of food past its use by date you can either return the item to the premises or contact us at the Food and Environmental Safety Service.

It should be noted that officers from the Food and Environmental Safety Service check for the presence of such foods on sale after the 'Use By' date has expired during routine unannounced inspections.