Don't be fooled by BOGOF

CharleneUK

alison67 wrote:

what is the BMGMF ????

Buy many get many free? That's what people are saying on this thread.

New for me, but kinda cool.

lipidicman

Bargainbabe wrote:

Regarding Best Before Dates. I would just like to point out that although some foods can and will last beyond its BBD, they in place for a reason. All food stuffs with a BBD would of gone though rigorous Lab tests to determine at which point the food started to deterioate. This would then become the Best Before Date.

Remember the difference between 'Best Before' and 'Use By' dates

Moonlight_2

Lipidicman, is correct, there is a difference between use by and best before dates, most products with a use by date are set by the amount of baterial growth accross the life of the product, their are baterial limits which companys set the life of the product against, and this will also allow a safety margin. but unless you have a understanding of the product and the potential baterial risks, then stick to the use by date set by the producer, who have experts in their field, to determine the life of a product.

On the other hand best before dates are determined by not only by the baterial growth factor but by the quality of the product, i.e. there may be no/very little bacterial growth in a canned product, but after time the quality of the product may deteriate while there is no risk to consuming it. Company's set this so the consumer gets the product at it's best (within reason, they are doing this to make money!!), it does not make good business if a product is given a longer life than it best, as consumer's will purchase and consume potentially sub-standard product, with the customer being none the wiser, or most likely never buy again (this is one of the most damaging aspects to there business).

Please remember this is a very basis guide, follow the manufacturers guides, if you do decide to go past them, take sensible steps, check the product for signs of deteriation, this includes sign of physical deteriation, drying out, mould growth, check for any off smells/taints and it something tastes funny, throw the rest away.

At the end of the day, if you are not sure, throw it away!! better then having food poison! Think about it!!

P.S. for those who purchase dented cans, choose them carefully, slight dents and there is no risk to the contents, very severe dents or dents the to ring seals of the can are potenial risks as oxygen can enter the contents allowing baterial growth, check the contents as advised above, and if not sure, throw away.