advice re: out of date food purchase

sarahg1969

They are not allowed to sell after sell-by or use-by dates (or 7 days before use-by date in the case of eggs), but they can sell after the b-b date, provided the goods are still edible. Thing is, with beef jerky, it's probably pretty hard to tell. But 4 months IS a long time after the b-b date, imo.

Sarah

trace-j

Selling after a BB is OK, provided the quality of the product isn't affected. If it is complaint to your local Trading Standards office. Isn't beef Jerky is preserved in some way shape or form anyway so won't deteriorate much.

If it's after a UB date, its a criminal offence- I'll be amazed its still solid:eek: .

doobiedoo_2

Thanks for the replies..it was a best before date.
The jerky is dried smoked meat so probably lasts months on end but like others said 4 months could be a bit dodgy. I will call there in the morning as there was at least one other pack on the shelf and check the date it.

doobiedoo_2

also found this on a council website (trading standards).

If a product has gone past the "Best Before" date, should a shop still be selling it?

Under the Food Law, there are two types of dates - a "Use By" date and a "Best Before" date. A "Use By" date is for perishable foods such as fresh meat, milk, chilled ready meals which would present a risk of food poisoning due to their short shelf life. It is an offence to have "Use By" dated items on sale when the date has been exceeded.

The "Best Before" date on the other hand is simply a manufacturers recommendation that the food will taste its best if eaten before that date. Depending on the product, this may be a number of months or even years after the date of manufacture.

There is nothing in law to prevent a shop selling an item after the "Best Before" date has expired so long as it is still fit for human consumption. Similarly, there is no requirement for the retailer to reduce the price or indicate the food has passed its "Best Before" date.