EXP, BBE, DLUO: your label is in French… almost!
Standing before a jar, you look for the date… and come across a collection of acronyms. Don’t worry: there’s no need to go back to school. You just need to recognize a few key phrases.
Use-by date: “Use by…”
The use-by date applies to highly perishable foods. It is a safety limit: once it has passed, do not consume the product, even if it smells good and looks normal. Your nose is not a laboratory. The date also assumes that storage conditions have been met. Improperly stored products can become dangerous before the indicated date.
Best-before date: “Best before…”
The best-before date is mainly about quality: flavor, texture, or aromas may change. Exceeding this date does not automatically mean you should throw away a product that has remained unopened, properly stored, and in intact packaging. It is not a free pass either: swollen packaging, leakage, mold, or doubts about storage? Do not taste it to check, and do not consume the suspect product.
And what about the DLUO?
That is the old term for the best-before date: “optimal use-by date.” The name has changed, so there is no need to learn a third category or retake your labeling exam!
Open jar: another instruction comes into play
A distant date on the lid does not mean that an opened jar can wait indefinitely. Look for the “after opening” statement: it may specify a temperature and time limit to be observed. Write the opening date on the jar if that helps. Your memory probably already has enough to deal with.
A quick look at the label
Look at the exact name of the product, then the ingredients. They are generally listed in descending order of weight at the time of manufacture. Spot the highlighted allergens and any possible trace statements. Finally, check the quantity and storage instructions. For example, to discover our Yuzu & Blueberry Jam, also read its composition: its name alone does not tell the whole recipe. In the event of an allergy, never rely solely on the photo or the name.
At Danielle REYNIER, seriousness is also part of the selection
We pay very close attention to the selection of products we offer you. Our standard: to select and market products that comply with the applicable European regulations, particularly in terms of food safety and consumer information. The pleasure of eating well and the seriousness of the selection must go together.
Simply put: we like good surprises on the plate, not bad surprises on the label. Do you have a question about an ingredient or a storage instruction? Ask us before tasting.
Key takeaways: “use by” = safety limit; “best before” = quality indicator. And after opening, the instructions on the jar take over.
To learn more about dates: the official Service Public guide on use-by and best-before dates.