German consumer agency debunks myths about best‑before dates

Nutrition experts from the Verbraucherzentrale NRW explain that the "Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum" (best‑before date) is a quality guarantee, not a safety deadline. Manufacturers assure that, if stored correctly, an unopened product will retain its taste, smell and nutritional value up to that date. After the date passes, the food may still be safe; consumers should rely on their senses—checking for mold, off‑odors or unusual taste—before discarding. June Dilger, a nutrition scientist at the Verbraucherzentrale, advises shoppers to buy only quantities they can store properly, keep refrigerated items continuously cooled, and rotate stock so items with the shortest remaining dates are used first. This guidance aims to reduce unnecessary food waste while ensuring food safety.