Question

As per FSSAI labelling regulations, ____shall be mentioned on the label by the manufacturer in case of food with shelf‐life of not more than seven days}

• A. Expiry date
• B. Date of packing
• C. Use by date
• D. Date of manufacture

Hint:

Short life ($<$ 7 days) = Use By (Critical Safety).
Long life ($>$ 7 days) = Best Before (General Quality).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the specific terminology required on labels for perishable food items with a very short shelf life (under one week), according to Indian food labeling laws.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• FSSAI Labeling Standards: FSSAI differentiates between "Best Before" and "Use by Date."

• "Use by Date": This is a safety-related date. It indicates the end of the estimated period under any stated storage conditions, after which the product probably will not have the quality and safety attributes normally expected by the consumers.

• The 7-Day Rule: According to the FSSAI (Labelling and Display) Regulations, for highly perishable products having a shelf life of not more than 7 days, the "Use by Date" must be prominently displayed. Examples include fresh milk, pre-cut salads, or fresh cream cakes.

• "Best Before": This is more related to quality (texture, flavor) rather than immediate safety and is used for longer shelf-life items.

Step 3: Final Answer:
For foods with a shelf life $\leq$ 7 days, the mandatory label term is "Use by date".