Close-to-expiry food refers to food that is approaching its expiration date but has not yet expired. Food produced by companies needs to go through storage, transportation, and be placed on shelves before waiting for consumers to purchase it. During this process, the food must not spoil or change in flavor, so every type of food has its own shelf life.
Is close-to-expiry food safe?
Close-to-expiry food is only approaching its expiration date but is still within its shelf life. As long as food is within its shelf life, its quality is guaranteed. Therefore, close-to-expiry food is safe and can be consumed with confidence.
In foreign countries, it is common practice for businesses to sell close-to-expiry food at a discount or donate it directly to charitable organizations to provide basic food security for low-income individuals. In China, businesses typically regularly check their close-to-expiry food and sell it at a discount or in bundles.
How to Choose Close-to-Expiry Food
1. Avoid Impulse Buying
Some people see that close-to-expiry food is very cheap and buy it in large quantities, not realizing that if it exceeds the expiration date because they can't finish it, it becomes a waste. Therefore, you should buy according to your needs.
2. Check the Expiration Date Clearly
When purchasing, be sure to check the last day of the expiration date and try to finish eating the food within the shelf life. Also, try to choose small packages, as the shelf life of the food is void once the package is opened. Store unfinished food in a sealed container to prevent spoilage.
3. Choose Regular Supermarkets or Malls
When buying close-to-expiry food, try not to choose small roadside stalls just because they are cheap. It is better to purchase from regular supermarkets or malls.