how to read expiration date
 

just a quick question. we received almond candy from a friend and the expiration date says "best by 12jan13". does this mean the year 2012 or 2013? thanks!

2013

i thought so too but then i read this:

How a "best before" date is shown on a label

The "best before" date must be identified using the words "best before" and "meilleur avant" grouped together with the date, unless a clear explanation of the significance of the "best before" date appears elsewhere on the label.
The "best before" date may appear anywhere on the package.
If it is placed on the bottom, this has to be indicated elsewhere on the label.
The month must be in both official languages or indicated by using specified bilingual symbols.
The year is optional, unless it is needed for the sake of clarity (for example, if the shelf life extends into a new calendar year).
If included, the year must appear first, followed by the month, then the day.

Best before
08 JA 30
Meilleur avant

usually its read year/month/date

or thats how i see it

meh its candy.. candy lasts forever :P haha candy is the only exception where i dont pay attention to the exp. date

Maybe this almond candy was a re-gift from last year! :p

plus it says "best before" not expired by....
so maximum deliciousness is before that date

Solution: give it to a co-worker for lunch and if he/she eats it and still returns to work the next day, then its good to go. Win and win = 1 stone hits 2 birds :troll:

2013. Bought cookies from the usa, 09/03/12. So either those cookies expired in 09, or they expire in a couple months lol. Checked a whole bunch of other cookies for their expiration dates too and it seemed to follow this pattern, so hopefully walmart's not selling aisles of expired stuff :suspicious:

sometimes they mix it up, company's are crazy these days trying to get away with expired stuff , save money were ever they can

Check this site out for expiration of foods. StillTasty: Your Ultimate Shelf Life Guide - Save Money, Eat Better, Help The Environment Fantastic stuff!!!