Eurofins Food Testing UK Ltd. has released a new guidance document, A Perspective on Best-Before replacing Use-By dates, to support food manufacturers and retailers in making informed, evidence-based decisions about product date marking.
With growing interest in reducing food waste while maintaining consumer safety, the document explores the scientific and regulatory considerations that underpin the shift from use-by to best-before dates for certain product categories. It is designed to help technical professionals understand when such changes may be appropriate, and how to ensure they remain compliant with UK and EU food safety legislation.
Download now: A Perspective on Best-Before replacing Use-By dates
Making informed date-marking decisions
Determining the correct date type is a critical part of food safety and quality management. While use-by dates are legally required for highly perishable products that present a food safety risk after a certain time, best-before dates are typically used for products where quality, rather than safety, is the limiting factor.
This new Eurofins Food Testing UK document provides context around the current regulatory framework and shares practical insight into how food businesses can assess their products to ensure the right date-marking approach is used. It also highlights the importance of supporting data from shelf-life determination studies, referencing our companion guide, Determining Product Shelf-Life.
Linking shelf-life data with lab evidence
Eurofins Food Testing UK’s shelf-life testing services provide the scientific foundation for date-marking decisions. Our laboratories offer both real-time and accelerated storage studies, microbiological challenge testing, and comprehensive analytical support to evidence safe and accurate shelf-life periods.
By combining these services with the guidance outlined in A Perspective on Best-Before replacing Use-By dates, food businesses can demonstrate robust due diligence while aligning with sustainability and waste-reduction goals.
Supporting compliance and consumer trust
All Eurofins Food Testing UK Ltd.'s methods are developed to reflect current UK and EU standards and industry best practice. Our aim is to provide clear, reliable data and interpretive support to help customers ensure regulatory alignment and maintain consumer confidence.
For information on the supporting study process, see our related guidance:
Determining Product Shelf-Life
Speak to our team
If you would like advice on determining appropriate date-marking or planning a shelf-life study, please contact our technical experts.
Submit an enquiry or call +44 (0) 845 604 6740.
October 2025
