A. No. A "consume before" mark should be strictly followed. It is included on the labels of food that are highly perishable and are likely to pose danger to human health if consumed beyond the expiry date. For the "consume before" date to be a valid guide, consumers must carefully follow storage instructions. Otherwise, the food will spoil more quickly and you may risk food poisoning.
Q. Ariel Gonzalez of Sta. Mesa, Manila writes: "I decided to have canned meat loaf for breakfast. As I was opening the can, I noticed that the label said "best before 20 July 2002", However, it was already July 23! Thinking twice, I decided to have something else for breakfast. But just for my information and for future instances, can we still eat canned food after the "best before" date indicated on the label?
A. Yes, food items are still consumable after their "best before" date marks. "Best before" dates tell us until when the food will retain its optimum condition. They appear in a wide range of frozen, dried, canned and other food items that have long shelf life. The "best before" dates are more indicative of quality than safety. It means food is not yet dangerous for consumption by the date indicated but may no longer be at its best. If you want to enjoy canned foodstuff at its optimum best, always take note of the "best before" date mark. Also be sure to follow any instruction on the label because even frozen and canned goods expire after a certain period.
Postscript: Here’s an e-mail from May Flores of Marikina "I wish to thank MSI Digiland for their swift action on my printer. I bought a new one early this year (January, to be exact). It bogged down last week! As it was still under warranty, I brought it to MSI Digiland. And what do you know, I got a replacement unit the next day. Hooray for prompt customer service! I hope all our dealers would be like them. It is hard enough to buy new items and, when they break down right away, your heart is also broken. But getting speedy replacements really make up for it. Not that I would like my new printer to break down again. Thanks to MSI Digiland and keep up the good work."
(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. Call us at our consumer hotlines at 896-5740 or 890-4938 or e-mail us at www.e-reklamo.net.ph)