säilyvyystageihin

Säilyvyystageihin, often translated as shelf-life labels or expiry date tags, are a crucial component of food safety and inventory management. These labels provide consumers and businesses with essential information regarding the period during which a product is expected to remain safe for consumption and maintain its optimal quality. They are typically found on packaged food items, beverages, and sometimes pharmaceuticals.

There are generally two main types of shelf-life indicators. The "best before" date (parasta ennen in Finnish) indicates the date until which the product is expected to retain its best quality, such as taste and texture, when stored properly. After this date, the product may still be safe to consume, but its sensory properties might have diminished. The other indicator is the "use by" date (viimeinen käyttöpäivä in Finnish), which is found on highly perishable foods like fresh meat, fish, and dairy products. This date signifies the end of the period during which the food is considered safe to eat. Consuming food past its "use by" date can pose a health risk.

The implementation and understanding of säilyvyystageihin are regulated by food safety authorities to protect public health. Proper storage conditions, as indicated on the packaging, are vital for ensuring that products remain within their stated shelf life. Businesses use these dates for stock rotation, preventing waste, and ensuring that only safe and high-quality products are offered to consumers.