Food Safety Week in Australia, celebrated annually in November, is a crucial initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of safe food handling practices. In 2024, the theme “Look Before You Cook” emphasizes the need to pay attention to food labels and cooking instructions, which play a vital role in ensuring food safety.
Understanding Food Labels: Use By vs. Best Before
One of the key focuses of this year’s campaign is the correct interpretation of food labels, specifically the “Use By” and “Best Before” dates. These labels serve different purposes and understanding them is essential for food safety.
1. Use By Date: This label indicates the last date on which a food product is safe to consume. After this date, the food may pose health risks due to the growth of harmful bacteria. For instance, perishable items such as dairy, meat, and certain ready-to-eat meals often have a “Use By” date. It’s important to check this date before purchasing or using such products.
2. Best Before Date: Unlike “Use By,” the “Best Before” date refers to the period during which the product is expected to maintain its best quality in terms of flavour and texture. Foods can still be safe to consume after the “Best Before” date, though they may not be at their optimal quality. Non-perishable items like canned goods and dry pasta typically feature this label.
To comply with this, your kitchen staff should be regularly checking for use by and best before dates on all foods. Implementing regular checks and food rotation procedures will ensure food wastage is kept to a minimum.
3. Food labels and dates: Once opened from the original packaging or processed ready for cooking, food is to be labelled with the contents and date of processing. This includes sauces in bottles, pans of uncooked crumbed chicken, containers of cooked rice and pasta (considered high risk foods) and opened bulk dairy items.
Food contents labelling is important! I was recently in an airport lounge where a ‘Make Your Own’ nacho station was set up. Thinking that the yellow container next to the corn chips was queso, I liberally poured it all over my delicious nacho concoction, but alas, the yellow liquid was custard…. not a great food combination!
Food Safety Week 2024 serves as an essential reminder for everyone to “Look Before You Cook.” By understanding food labels and ensuring everything is labelled and dated, kitchen staff can protect customers from foodborne illnesses. With proper education and awareness, we can create a culture of food safety that not only enhances our culinary experiences but also ensures a healthier nation and happy customers.
If you are looking for a Food Safety Program template, DWS have two options:
- DIY blank templates: you customise the plan, forms and checklists for your business; or
- Tailored Food Safety Program: we do all the customising for you with logos and your business details.
If you need assistance booking in Food Safety Training or implementing your Food Safety Reporting Processes, please reach out to our Work Health, Safety & Compliance Advisor, Michelle Bates.
About the Author
A highly qualified advisor, Michelle brings with her 20+ years of experience in safety and compliance. With experience spanning multiple industries including hospitality, construction, mining, environmental services, large municipalities and amusement centres, Michelle brings fresh ideas and a breadth of knowledge to her role as DWS’ Work Health, Safety and Compliance Advisor.
If you have any questions about WH&S or compliance questions, please get in touch with Michelle Bates.
