Best Before vs Use By Dates in Japan | Food Safety Guide

In Japan, you’ll often see two types of expiration dates on food products at supermarkets and convenience stores: "Best Before" and "Use By" dates.
If you don’t understand the difference between the two, you might waste good food—or worse, get sick from eating expired items.

This article explains what these two dates mean and how to tell them apart in simple English, so you can shop more confidently in Japan.

We’ll also show you how to read Japanese date formats and answer some common questions. Read to the end.

■What Is a "Best Before" Date?

The Best Before date tells you how long the food will stay tasty and fresh.
If you eat it before this date, it should taste and feel just the way it’s supposed to.

You can usually eat food even after the Best Before date has passed.
However, the taste or smell might change. Always check the look and smell before eating.

■What Is a "Use By" Date?

The Use By date shows how long the food is still safe to eat.
If you eat it after this date, it might be spoiled and cause food poisoning.

Do not eat food after its Use By date.
Even if it’s stored in the fridge, it may not be safe.
Sometimes it looks fine but still smells bad or tastes strange.

■How to Read Date Labels in Japan

All food products in Japan are required to show either a Best Before or Use By date.
But be careful—the way dates are written in Japan is different from many other countries.

In Japan, dates are usually written in the order of Year / Month / Day.

For example, July 9, 2025 may look like this:
・2025/07/09
・25.7.9
・2025年7月9日

If you mix up the day and month, you might misunderstand the date.
Always check the order of the numbers carefully when buying food.

■Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. The Best Before date was yesterday. Can I still eat it?

In most cases, yes.
But always check the smell and appearance before eating.
If something feels off, it’s safer not to eat it.

Q2. I kept meat in the fridge, but it’s past the Use By date. Is it okay?

No, do not eat it.
Even if it was refrigerated, food can be unsafe after the Use By date.
It might cause stomach problems or food poisoning. Throw it away.

Q3. What if the food doesn’t have a visible date?

Most packaged food in Japan has a printed date label.
If you don’t see one, ask the store staff before buying or eating it.

■For Those Who Love Food

Understanding food rules in Japan helps you stay safe and enjoy your meals.
Knowing the difference between Best Before and Use By dates is an important part of daily life.

If you love food, why not work in a food-related job in Japan?
There are many job openings in restaurants and employee cafeterias—some even offer free meals!

Find the perfect job for someone who enjoys food like you.