Decoding Best Before and Expiration Dates for Food Products in Japan

In Japan, two types of dates are commonly found on food products: the "Best Before" date (賞味期限 - shoumikigen) and the "Expiration" date (消費期限 - shouhikigen). Here's a breakdown of what each term means:

1. Best Before Date (賞味期限 - shoumikigen):

   • This date indicates when a product is expected to taste its best, as intended by the manufacturer.
   • Common for products with a long shelf life that don't spoil easily, such as dashi, snacks, and frozen foods.
   • The best before date is more like a "sell by" date, and the product may still be safe to consume after this date.
   • It doesn't necessarily mean the product will go bad on that date.

2. Expiration Date (消費期限 - shouhikigen):

   • This date is used for fresh products that spoil easily, like bentos, fresh meat, and certain sweets.
   • Indicates the date after which the product is no longer safe to consume and should be discarded.

Understanding Date Format on Japanese Food Products:

• Japanese dates are typically written with the year first as Year.Month.Date (e.g., 2023.05.12 or 23.05.12 for May 12th, 2023).

Using Your Judgment:

• Japanese manufacturers often set conservative best before and expiration dates.
• While products may still be safe to consume beyond these dates, it's crucial to consider storage instructions and use your judgment.

Final Thoughts:

• Knowing the distinction between best before and expiration dates is crucial for ensuring the safety and freshness of food in Japan.
• By paying attention to these dates and exercising your judgment, you can make informed decisions when purchasing and consuming food products.