Australia & New Zealand requires clear date marking with either "best before" or "use by" dates depending on food safety risks.
Date marking helps consumers know when food is safe to eat and when quality may deteriorate. FSANZ Standard 1.2.5 distinguishes "use by" (cannot legally be sold after the date) from "best before"; a best-before date is not required at all if shelf life exceeds two years, and bread may instead show a "baked on" date.
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Start Your Compliance CheckFSANZ Standard 1.2.5 distinguishes "use by" (cannot legally be sold after the date) from "best before"; a best-before date is not required at all if shelf life exceeds two years, and bread may instead show a "baked on" date.
Use by is for safety-critical foods; best before is for quality.
Last updated: 2026-07-20
Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.
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