5 Sections on Your Grocery Label You Should Read Very Carefully

According to the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), the date markings on food labels used by Canadian stores serve a specific purpose. Some focus on freshness and taste, while others indicate health risks. Understanding what each label means will help you make smarter decisions about the food in your cart and fridge.

Best Before Date   

This is one of the most commonly reviewed features on a label, but it’s often misunderstood. The Best Before Date refers to quality, not safety. It indicates when a product will maintain its peak taste, texture, and nutritional value. Foods can remain safe to eat well beyond this date if stored properly and kept sealed. For example, crackers, cereal, canned goods, and dairy products often stay fresh for weeks or even months after the best-before date has passed.

Expiration Date   

This information is critical for consumer safety. Ignoring the expiration date can lead to health risks. Meal replacements, nutritional supplements, and infant formula have expiration dates because their effectiveness and safety can decline over time. Health Canada mandates expiration dates for specific items, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants and individuals with medical conditions, who are at greater risk from expired products.

Packaged On Date   

When purchasing fresh Halal meat, it is essential to check the use-by date on the packaging, especially for meat products from the ‘chiller‘ section of the grocery store. This date indicates when workers sealed the product at the processing facility. You can determine how many days you have to use the product safely by reading the date alongside the “Use By” Date (see below).

Use By Date  

This label indicates high safety concerns. Highly perishable foods are susceptible to bacterial growth. Fresh (chilled) meat, poultry, fish, prepared salads, and ready-to-eat meals need refrigeration and display use-by dates for this reason. Harmful bacteria can multiply in these products even if they appear and smell normal. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency strongly recommends avoiding these foods after their use-by date. Typically, stores will remove items from shelves before this date to protect consumers from the risk of foodborne illness.

Freeze By Date   

To maintain quality during frozen storage, it’s essential to follow this guideline for items such as imported Halal meat, seafood, and certain baked goods. Freezing products by this date helps preserve their taste and texture for later use. Although you can still freeze items after this date, expect changes in flavor, moisture, and texture when you thaw and prepare them.

For Canadians who use freezers to reduce waste, paying attention to these dates is essential. Properly timed freezing ensures your stored food remains enjoyable months later when you are ready to cook it.

So, next time you are grocery shopping, remember these five guidelines to protect your health and your family’s. Shop smart and stay safe, Insha’Allah.

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