European Union 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. Article 24 and Annex X of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011: microbiologically perishable foods must carry a "use by" date (after which the food is deemed unsafe and cannot be sold), while other foods carry "best before", in the day/month/year format prescribed by Annex X.
LabelGuard verifies date format compliance and legibility.
Start Your Compliance CheckArticle 24 and Annex X of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011: microbiologically perishable foods must carry a "use by" date (after which the food is deemed unsafe and cannot be sold), while other foods carry "best before", in the day/month/year format prescribed by Annex X.
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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