Where is expiry date

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: An expiry date is a specific date printed on product packaging indicating when it should no longer be consumed or used. For food products, expiry dates are mandated by regulations like the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (2011) in the US, while medications typically have expiration dates determined by stability testing. These dates help ensure safety and quality, with food waste from expired products estimated at 30-40% of the US food supply annually.

Key Facts

The US FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011 established mandatory food safety standards including expiry date labeling
Approximately 30-40% of the US food supply is wasted annually, partly due to expired products
Medication expiration dates are determined through stability testing required by the FDA since 1979
The EU's Food Information to Consumers Regulation (2011) standardized expiry date labeling across member states
Infant formula is required by the FDA to have a "use-by" date with specific nutritional guarantees

Overview

An expiry date, also called an expiration date or use-by date, is a predetermined date after which a product should no longer be used or consumed. This labeling practice emerged in the mid-20th century as mass production and distribution of packaged goods increased, creating a need for standardized quality indicators. The concept gained regulatory importance with growing consumer safety concerns and food preservation technologies.

Modern expiry date systems developed through various regulations worldwide, with significant milestones including the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) implementation of expiration dating for medications in 1979. The European Union standardized food date labeling through the Food Information to Consumers Regulation in 2011. These systems help consumers make informed decisions while supporting public health objectives and reducing foodborne illnesses.

How It Works

Expiry date systems operate through specific testing protocols and regulatory frameworks that determine safe consumption periods.

Food Product Testing: Manufacturers conduct shelf-life studies under controlled conditions to determine when products degrade to unsafe levels. For perishable items like dairy, this typically involves microbial testing over time, with many products having 1-2 week expiration windows after production.
Pharmaceutical Standards: Medication expiration dates are established through stability testing mandated by regulatory agencies. The FDA requires manufacturers to test products under various conditions for periods up to 5 years, with most medications having 1-3 year expiration dates from manufacturing.
Labeling Requirements: Different terms indicate specific meanings: "use-by" dates (safety), "best before" dates (quality), and "sell-by" dates (retail guidance). The FDA requires infant formula to have "use-by" dates with guaranteed nutritional content until that date.
Regulatory Enforcement: Agencies like the FDA conduct inspections to ensure compliance, with penalties for violations. The 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act gave the FDA mandatory recall authority for expired products posing health risks.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Food Products	Medications
Regulatory Authority	FDA (US), EFSA (EU)	FDA (US), EMA (EU)
Testing Duration	Typically 1-4 weeks for perishables	Up to 5 years stability testing
Common Date Types	Use-by, Best before, Sell-by	Expiration date only
Safety Margin	Conservative estimates with buffer periods	Based on degradation to 90% potency
Post-Expiration Risk	Foodborne illness potential increases	Reduced efficacy, potential toxicity

Why It Matters

Public Health Protection: Expiry dates prevent consumption of degraded products that could cause illness. The CDC estimates 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne diseases annually, with expired products contributing to this statistic.
Economic Impact: Proper expiry dating reduces waste and associated costs. The USDA estimates food waste costs the US economy approximately $218 billion annually, with confusion over date labels contributing to 20% of household food waste.
Quality Assurance: Dates ensure consumers receive products at intended quality levels. For medications, expiration dates guarantee minimum 90% potency, crucial for life-saving drugs like epinephrine auto-injectors and insulin.

Looking forward, expiry date systems continue evolving with smart packaging technologies and improved testing methods. Digital solutions like QR codes linking to detailed product information may enhance consumer understanding. Global harmonization of standards could further reduce waste while maintaining safety, as organizations work toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of halving food waste by 2030.