What does best before date (BBD) mean?

The best before date (BBD) indicates the date until which a product can be safely consumed, assuming proper storage. It applies to pre-packaged goods, including cosmetics.

It is not the same as an expiration date. Many products are still safe to consume after the BBD, though quality (taste, texture) may decline. The time between BBD and expiration varies by product – for example, dairy and meat should be consumed before the BBD, whereas other goods may last longer.

From a logistics perspective, the BBD is vital for selecting the right supply chain strategy and storage method. Maintaining the cold chain is often necessary.

A proper warehouse management system (WMS) ensures coordination of logistics processes. Using FIFO (First In, First Out) or FEFO (First Expired, First Out) ensures products nearing their BBD are dispatched first. Only with smart warehouse management can today’s food logistics challenges be effectively met.