Product expiry dates — what you need to know

Understanding the difference between "best before" and "use by" helps you make informed choices. At Body Nutrition, we follow Swiss food law to ensure every product we ship is safe, effective, and clearly labelled.

Two types of date — two different meanings

Swiss law (Lebensmittelrecht, SR 817.02) distinguishes between two date labels. Knowing which one you are looking at matters.
BEST BEFORE DATE (BBD)

This date indicates when the manufacturer guarantees optimal quality — flavour, texture, potency. The product is not necessarily unsafe after this date, but sensory or nutritional quality may decline. Common on protein powders, vitamins, and dry supplements.

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USE BY

A safety limit. Swiss law prohibits selling or consuming products after this date, regardless of appearance or smell. This applies to microbiologically sensitive products. Supplements and dry goods rarely carry this label — but when they do, it must be respected without exception.

USE BY

Unlike the best before date, the use by date is a safety threshold established by law. In Switzerland (LMG SR 817.02) and across the EU (Regulation 1169/2011), it is prohibited to sell, serve, or consume a product after its use by date — regardless of how it looks, smells, or tastes.

This label applies to products that are microbiologically sensitive and can develop harmful bacteria without any visible signs of spoilage. Common examples include fresh meat, fresh fish, fresh dairy products, and ready-to-eat refrigerated meals.

None of the products sold by Body Nutrition carry a use by date. Our catalogue consists exclusively of dry, shelf-stable supplements and foods — protein powders, oat flours, protein bars, vitamins, sweeteners, and canned energy drinks — all of which carry a best before date only.

We include this information for general consumer education and food safety awareness.

BEST BEFORE DATE (BBD)

A quality guarantee. The manufacturer certifies that up to this date the product retains its optimal flavour, texture, colour, and declared nutritional content. After this date, quality may gradually decline — but the product is not automatically unsafe. This label is standard on protein powders, vitamins, oat flours, dried foods, and most supplements.

FAQs

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Best before is a quality date — the product may still be safe after this date but quality may decline. Use by is a safety date — never consume after this date. All products on bodynutrition.ch carry a best before date only.

Yes, we sell products up to the last valid day indicated on the best before date.

The best before date guarantees optimal flavour and nutritional potency. If the product has been stored correctly, is sealed, and shows no signs of spoilage, it is generally still safe — but we recommend following the manufacturer's guidance and using your senses as a guide..

Seal tightly after every use. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, steam, and moisture. Never store in the bathroom or near the kitchen stove.

Yes. This is called "bloom" — a harmless separation of cocoa butter caused by temperature changes. It affects appearance only, not safety or taste.

he best before date is set by the manufacturer based on stability testing. After this date, potency of certain vitamins may gradually decline. We recommend consuming products within their stated date for optimal results.

Because best before dates cause millions of safe products to be discarded unnecessarily every year. Understanding the difference between quality and safety helps you make informed decisions and reduce waste.

A sealed, undamaged can is microbiologically stable well beyond the best before date. Carbonation and flavour intensity may decrease, but there are no safety concerns if the can is intact.

The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO/OSAV) at www.blv.admin.ch is the official reference for Swiss food safety guidance.