The numbers are the result of a series of tests and guarantee security, the experts say
Watch deadline In the packaging of a food is an almost automatic gesture. But what does it indicate?
The numbers are the result of a series of tests that also show when the product can be consumed without risk. It is a way to give security to those who buy and sell, ensuring that food reaches the table in good condition.
“The expiry date indicates how long the foods remain safe and suitable for consumption. This means that the consumer has the guarantee, given by those who have produced them, that the product will maintain its nutritional and health characteristics during this period”, explains Ana Maria Maya, expert of the healthy and sustainable food program of Consumer Protection Institute (idec).
According to Rafael Audino Zambelli, professor and coordinator of the food engineering course at Federal University of Ceará (UFC)The deadline is the result of a series of physical -chimic, sensory and microbiological analysis that guarantee that food is safe for consumption until the established date. “The deadline guarantees consumer safety, which will surely consume a quality product, and also for the company, which knows how to provide a safe product.”
According to the teacher, the deadline does not necessarily mean the maximum time of food. “Depending on the degree of perishable (variable with the quantity of water or humidity, for example), can deteriorate faster or slower. In industry, if the food lasts one year and two months, for safety, the ideal is to indicate a year on the label. In general, there is a margin from 20% to 30% between what has been tested and what appears in the package, “he explains.
“The most perishable foods have a higher safety margin because the risk is higher, while the dryer can almost use the laboratory deadline in its entirety,” he continues.
Presence of bacteria
The microorganisms responsible for food to violate can be divided into two groups, according to Zambelli. The first are the changes. They usually do not cause health problems, but leave food unusual in relation to the original state.
The second group is made up of pathogenic bacteria, which influence the health of consumers and cause belly pain, vomiting, infections, among others. “When the company processes food and applies the conservation mechanisms, either for heat, reducing humidity or using chemical additives, such as preservatives, works only to a certain extent,” explains Zambelli.
“Since bacteria have logarithmic growth, quantity is not possible, but you can leave it at a very low level so that food has a period of duration that is cool from a commercial point of view,” he adds.
Health risks
According to the guide to determine the deadlines of the food validity National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa)The consumption of products with expired expiry date places serious health risks. Ingestion can cause infections and intoxications due to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms or toxin production, often without changes in flavor, smell or appearance.
In addition, chemical reactions that form toxic compounds, degrading essential nutrients and compromise the nutritional value, especially in special or enriched foods may occur. The marketing of these products configures the health infringement and implies the responsibility of the supplier, according to the consumer protection code.
According to Ana, if the consumer acquires something late, it is advisable to save the voucher and return to the place of purchase. It has the right to modify the product for another peer, provided that by the expiry date or requires the reimbursement of the amount paid.
Senza expiry date products
Although the vast majority of food products must bring the expiry date, the Resolution no. 727/2022 of Anvisa Establishes a list of elements fired from this requirement. I am:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables, including potatoes without success, cut or treated;
- Wines, liqueur wines, sparkling wines, flavored wines, fruit wines and frinting wines fruits;
- Alcoholic drinks with a 10% alcohol or greater content;
- Baked and pastry products which, by nature of its content, are generally consumed within 24 hours of production;
- Vinegar;
- Solid sugar;
- Pastry products based on sugar, flavored and/or colorful, such as candies, candies, pastries, tablets and the like;
- Chewing tires;
- The salt is not enriched with iodine.
These products, noteworthy, remain subject to other rules and must respect the general principles for food labeling.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
