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Regulation Guide

🇬🇧 Date Marking Requirements in UK

United Kingdom requires clear date marking with either "best before" or "use by" dates depending on food safety risks.

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What the Rule Is

Date marking helps consumers know when food is safe to eat and when quality may deteriorate. The UK retained the FIC date-marking rules — "use by" for safety, "best before" for quality — and FSA/WRAP guidance has pushed retailers to drop confusing "display until" dates.

What You Must Include
  • Best before OR use by date
  • Storage instructions
  • Clear format (day/month/year)
Common Violations
  • Illegible dates
  • Wrong date format
  • Missing storage instructions
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

Best before: 31/12/2026
Use by: 15/03/2026

Non-Compliant Examples

Expires: soon
Date code only
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which regulation governs date marking requirements in UK?

The UK retained the FIC date-marking rules — "use by" for safety, "best before" for quality — and FSA/WRAP guidance has pushed retailers to drop confusing "display until" dates.

What is the difference between best before and use by?

Use by is for safety-critical foods; best before is for quality.

Regulation Sources

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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Related Resources
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