Haltbarkeitsvermerk

Haltbarkeitsvermerk, often translated as "shelf-life notice" or "best before notice," is a marking found on food products and other goods that indicates the period during which the product is expected to remain of acceptable quality. This notice is a voluntary declaration by the manufacturer or seller and does not necessarily relate to food safety. It typically refers to aspects like taste, aroma, texture, and nutritional value.

There are two primary types of such notices. The "Mindestens haltbar bis" (MHD) or "Best before" date is the most common. After this date, the product may still be safe to consume, but its quality might have diminished. The second type is "Verbrauchsdatum" or "Use by," which is applied to highly perishable foods like fresh meat, fish, and dairy products. This date should not be exceeded for safety reasons.

The Haltbarkeitsvermerk is a consumer information tool designed to help purchasers make informed decisions. It also helps retailers manage their stock and reduce waste by guiding them on which products to sell first. The legal framework surrounding these notices varies by region, but generally, they aim to provide clarity without being overly restrictive on products that may still be perfectly good after the indicated date. The distinction between "best before" and "use by" is crucial for consumers to understand to prevent unnecessary food waste while still ensuring safety.