Use By Labels Explained: Why They Matter for Consumer Safety

Food safety is a top priority for both consumers and businesses. Clear labelling plays a crucial role in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring compliance with regulations. Among the most important labels found on food packaging is the "use by" date. However, many people confuse "use by" labels with "best before" dates, which can lead to food waste or, worse, health risks.

Use by labels indicate the final date food is safe to consume, ensuring consumer safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. Unlike best before dates, which relate to quality, use by dates must be strictly followed. Understanding these labels helps reduce health risks, minimise waste, and comply with UK food safety regulations.

In this blog, we’ll explore what use by labels mean, how they differ from best before dates, why they are essential for consumer safety, and the legal responsibilities businesses must follow. We’ll also discuss how price guns and labelling systems help businesses ensure accurate food labelling.

What Are Use By Labels?

Use by labels indicate the final date on which food is safe to consume. They are primarily found on perishable foods, such as:

• Meat and poultry

• Dairy products

• Fresh ready-to-eat meals

• Pre-packaged salads and sandwiches

Unlike best before dates, which focus on food quality, use by dates are directly related to food safety. Consuming food past its use by date can pose serious health risks, including bacterial contamination from pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.

How Use By Labels Differ from Best Before Dates

A common misconception is that use by and best before labels serve the same purpose. However, they have distinct meanings:

• Use By Date: This is a strict safety deadline. Food must not be consumed after this date, even if it looks and smells fine.

• Best Before Date: This refers to food quality rather than safety. Food is still safe to eat after the best before date but may not be at its peak in terms of taste, texture, or freshness.

For example, milk that has passed its best before date may have a slightly altered taste but is still safe to drink. In contrast, consuming raw chicken after its use by date could result in serious food poisoning.

Why Use By Labels Matter for Consumer Safety

Food poisoning affects thousands of people in the UK each year. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe dehydration and hospitalisation. Use by labels help prevent foodborne illnesses by ensuring that consumers only eat food that is safe.

Some key reasons why use by labels are crucial include:

• Preventing foodborne illnesses – Many bacteria thrive in expired food, leading to health risks.

• Ensuring regulatory compliance – Businesses must adhere to food safety laws to protect public health.

• Maintaining consumer trust – Shoppers rely on accurate labelling to make informed decisions.

• Reducing food waste – Proper understanding of use by labels helps people plan meals efficiently, avoiding unnecessary disposal of safe food.

Legal Responsibilities for Businesses

In the UK, businesses must comply with The Food Safety Act 1990 and The Food Information Regulations 2014, which require accurate food labelling. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines or legal action. Key requirements include:

1. Correct labelling – All pre-packaged foods must display an accurate use by date if required.

2. Stock rotation – Businesses must implement a first in, first out (FIFO) system to ensure older stock is sold before it reaches its use by date.

3. Employee training – Staff handling food must be trained in food safety and labelling compliance.

4. Proper storage – Businesses must store food at the correct temperature to maintain freshness and prevent premature spoilage.

How to Store and Handle Products with Use By Labels

Proper food storage is essential for prolonging shelf life and maintaining safety. Here are some key tips:

Refrigeration and Freezing

• Store perishable foods at 5°C or below to slow bacterial growth.

• Freeze food before the use by date to extend its lifespan. Ensure clear labelling of frozen items to track freshness.

Meal Planning and Organisation

• Plan meals around use by dates to reduce waste.

• Use airtight containers to keep food fresh and prevent cross-contamination.

Checking Labels Regularly

• Inspect labels when purchasing and consuming food.

• Never consume food past its use by date, even if it appears fine.

The Role of Price Guns in Labelling Compliance

For businesses, maintaining accurate food labelling is essential. Price guns and labelling systems help streamline the process by ensuring labels are clear, consistent, and legally compliant.

How Price Guns Help with Labelling

• Speed and Efficiency: Quickly apply use by labels to food products.

• Accuracy: Ensure legible, consistent labels that meet regulatory standards.

• Stock Control: Easily manage inventory by marking expiration dates clearly.

Recommended Price Guns for Food Labelling

Businesses should invest in high-quality price guns to maintain labelling accuracy. Some key features to look for include:

• Durable construction for long-term use.

• Adjustable date formats for flexibility.

• Easy-to-load labels for efficiency.

At Price Gun Land, we offer a range of food labelling solutions, including handheld price guns and label rolls designed for accurate and compliant food labelling.

Why Use By Labels Are Essential for Safe and Smart Shopping

Use by labels are a crucial part of food safety, ensuring that consumers avoid expired food and businesses comply with legal requirements. By understanding the difference between use by and best before dates, both consumers and businesses can minimise food waste while protecting public health.

For businesses, investing in the right labelling equipment—such as reliable price guns—helps maintain compliance and efficiency. At Price Gun Land, we provide high-quality labelling solutions to help businesses meet food safety standards effectively.