Best before date (DDM in France)
An indicative "best before" date showing how long a product keeps its optimal qualities, which can be passed without danger if the packaging is intact.
The best before date (DDM in France) is recognised by the wording “best before…” (or “best before end…”). It applies to low-perishability products: pasta, rice, tins, dry biscuits, coffee, dehydrated products.
An original angle (regulatory food-waste reduction): unlike the use by date, passing the best before date poses no health risk as long as the packaging is intact. The product may simply have lost a little texture, flavour or nutritional value. Pasta that is 6 months “out of date” is fine to eat.
Since France’s AGEC law (2020) and its implementing decree (2022), manufacturers can add wording such as “This product can be eaten after this date” or “For optimal taste, …” to reduce waste. This measure tackles a scourge: about 10% of household food waste comes from confusion between use by and best before dates.
Some products have no mandatory date because they are virtually imperishable: salt, sugar, vinegar, honey, spirits, wines. Honey found in Egyptian tombs was still edible after 3,000 years!
The precision of the best before date depends on durability: day and month if under 3 months, month and year if 3 to 18 months, year alone if over 18 months.