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 Pasta that is 6 months « out of date » is fine to eat.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.