The shelf life of food, also known as the best edible period, is called the shelf life abroad. According to the national food safety standard "General Rules for Labeling in prepackaged foods" (GB7718-2011), the definition of food shelf life in China can be clarified: it refers to the time limit for prepackaged foods to maintain the quality under the storage conditions specified in the label. During this period, the product is completely suitable for sale and maintains the unique quality that does not need to be explained or has been explained in the label.

This shelf life is usually set by the manufacturer according to the characteristics of specific foods. Different manufacturers have different processing techniques and packaging methods, so there is no strict unified standard for similar products in the whole industry.

However, manufacturers will not bid indiscriminately, because although the food can be sold for a longer time, it will lead to a decline in the flavor and taste of the food during the shelf life, and consumers will not want to buy their products again, which will increase the probability of product problems and suffer losses in compensation and reputation, which is not worth the candle.

Food without shelf life

Not all foods have a shelf life. Paragraph 2 of Article 50 of the Food Safety Law also mentions foods with "no definite shelf life". Article 4.3 "Exemption of label contents" of General Rules for Labeling in prepackaged foods (GB 7718-201) also stipulates: "4.3. 1 The following prepackaged foods can be exempted from labeling the shelf life: beverages with alcohol content greater than 10%. Vinegar; Edible salt; Solid sugar; Monosodium glutamate. "

Because the shelf life is determined by the manufacturer according to the characteristics of the food produced and the results of accelerated experiments or tests, it is clear whether a certain food has a shelf life and the length of the shelf life at the time of production. Therefore, in the circulation of food, all foods that are not exempted from labeling the shelf life should be marked on the food label in accordance with the law and relevant standards.

Refer to the above? Baidu encyclopedia-shelf life