Shelf-Life

This FAQ section looks at the responsibilities of food business operators (FBOs) in relation to determining the shelf-life of their product and declaring this shelf-life on the label. It provides information for FBOs who are dealing with ready-to-eat foods that support the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. It also looks at the requirement for microbiological testing of a product.

The FAQ is divided into the following sections. Choose a section to go straight to the questions on that area:

• Shelf-life: Best before and use by dates
• Determining shelf-life (including Listeria monocytogenes)
• Predictive microbiology and shelf-life
• Labelling requirements
• Consumers and shelf-life
• Legislation and guidance documents
  

Last reviewed: 12/10/2015