Date Markings

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This information is part of the core labelling requirements. Other requirements may also apply for specific products.

There are several types of date markings regulated by the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR); durable life dates, use by dates, and expiry dates. Durable life dates are required on most prepackaged foods with a durable life of 90 days or less and provide information on the shelf life of a food, "use by" dates are used on fresh yeast only and expiry dates are used on foods for special dietary use such as infant formulas and meal replacements. The information above provides more detailed information.

• Definitions
  • Durable Life
  • Durable Life Date
  • Packaging Date
  • Storage Instructions
• Requirements
  • General
  • Exemptions
  • Voluntary Declaration
• Manner of Declaring
  • Format and Language
  • Examples of Acceptable Declarations
  • Legibility and Location
• Further Information on Specific Products
  • Retail Packed Foods
  • Shipping Containers
  • Modified Atmosphere Packaged Foods
  • Previously Frozen
• Other Date Markings
  • Expiration Dates
  • "Use by" Dates
  • Other Dating Systems

Related Information

• Consumer Fact Sheet - Date Labelling on Pre-packaged Foods