Meat Expiration Dates Explained: Best-Before vs Use-By

Have you noticed "賞味期限" and "消費期限" labels on meat packages from Japanese supermarkets or the Farmi app? These two dates look similar but mean very different things.

In HCMC's high temperatures, meat quality management is even more critical. This article explains the difference between best-before and use-by dates, how to tell if meat has gone bad, and proper storage methods.

Best-Before vs Use-By: The Difference

Best-Before Date (Shoumikigen)

This is the "best quality" guideline. The English equivalent is "best before."

Passing this date doesn't mean the food is immediately unsafe. If properly stored, it may still be fine shortly after. However, once opened, consume as quickly as possible regardless of the date.

Commonly found on processed meats like ham, sausages, and bacon.

Use-By Date (Shouhikigen)

This is the "safety deadline." The English equivalent is "use by."

Food past this date should not be eaten due to food poisoning risk. This is a strict standard for perishable foods.

Fresh meat (beef, pork, chicken) typically carries a use-by date.

Comparison Table

Category	Best-Before	Use-By
Meaning	Quality guideline	Safety deadline
English	Best before	Use by
After expiry	Check condition and decide	Do not eat
Main foods	Processed meat, canned goods, frozen foods	Fresh meat, seafood, prepared meals
Strictness	Relatively flexible	Strict

Use-By Guidelines by Meat Type

General refrigerated storage (below 4°C) guidelines. Always prioritize the date on the package.

Meat Type	Refrigerated Storage Guide
Beef (block)	3 to 5 days after purchase
Beef (sliced/thin-cut)	2 to 3 days after purchase
Ground beef	1 to 2 days after purchase
Pork (block)	3 to 4 days after purchase
Pork (sliced)	2 to 3 days after purchase
Ground pork	1 to 2 days after purchase
Chicken (thigh/breast)	1 to 2 days after purchase
Ground chicken	Day of purchase to next day

Ground meat has the largest surface area exposed to air, so it has the shortest shelf life.

How to Tell If Meat Has Gone Bad

Even within the use-by date, storage conditions can cause spoilage. Check these three points.

Check the Color

Normal	Warning Signs
Beef: bright red	Grey, brown, greenish tint
Pork: pink	Grey, yellowish
Chicken: light pink	Grey, yellow, greenish

Note: the interior of beef that hasn't been exposed to oxygen will be dark red, which is normal. It turns bright red when exposed to air.

Check the Smell

Fresh meat is nearly odorless or has a faint metallic scent. The following smells may indicate spoilage.

• Sour smell
• Ammonia smell (sharp, stinging)
• Rotten odor

Check the Texture

Fresh meat has a moderately moist surface with good elasticity. These are signs of spoilage.

• Slimy or sticky surface
• No bounce-back when pressed
• Stringy or tacky when pulled

Storing Meat in HCMC: Key Precautions

HCMC's average temperature is about 28°C with humidity around 80%, meaning meat spoils faster than in Japan.

Key points to watch

• Transit time from store to home: use an insulated bag and refrigerate as soon as possible. Bacteria multiply rapidly above 30°C after just 30 minutes
• Fridge temperature: confirm the fridge compartment stays below 4°C. Frequent opening raises the temperature
• Power outage risk: HCMC can experience power outages. During long outages, keep the freezer door closed. Check meat condition after power returns
• Freeze if not using right away: freezing on the day of purchase allows longer-term storage

Making the Most of Near-Expiry Meat

Ideas for using meat before the use-by date without waste.

• Marinate and freeze: put meat in a zip bag with seasonings and freeze. The flavors absorb while frozen, ready to cook right after thawing
• Cook then freeze: cooked meat keeps longer than raw
• Use in curry or stew: rich-flavored dishes work well even if the meat's flavor has slightly faded

Summary

Best-before on meat means "tastiest by this date." Use-by means "safe until this date." Fresh meat carries a use-by date, and you should not eat it past that point.

On the Farmi app, you can order fresh Japanese-quality meat delivered to your door. Refrigerate immediately upon delivery, use before the use-by date, or freeze early. Download the Farmi app for safe, worry-free ingredients.

Note: this article and some images were created with the help of AI (artificial intelligence) and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.