Best - before date

A dating system used to indicate the shelf life of a product during which it is at its best quality. Typical foods have long shelf lives of months or more and are low risk. Examples include cakes, crisps, biscuits, canned food and drinks. There is little risk of food poisoning.

It is a quality statement, the eating quality of the food deteriorates slowly after the date. High-risk foods should have a "use-by" date since they are perishable and may cause food poisoning.