Strict rules on shelf-life indicators for food

The "use-by" date on pre-packaged food items indicates the deadline for safe consumption based on potential microbiological risk.

The "best-before" date refers to the quality, not safety.

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According to the EU food information regulations, retailers in EU nations may make individual decisions about selling food that has passed its 'best-before' date.

This is not the case in the Faroes, where retailers are not allowed to sell any pre-packaged food that has passed its ‘use-by’ and its ‘best-before’ dates.

These rules do not apply to fresh fruit and vegetables, where it is easier for the consumer to determine the quality of the products.

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The HFS conducts regular checks of all food retailers and producers.

“Our main objective is to guarantee high standards of food safety,” says Malan N. Mikkelsen, the head of the HFS food department.

“But we have also started looking at ways to ensure that this does not lead to excessive food waste.”

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.