The current system for determining the Use-By-Date of products (AFNOR standard 01-003) is based on temperature scenario hypotheses. Such hypotheses do not reflect the reality of the product's effective shelf life and its state of preservation.

The Use-By Date printed on the product does not take temperature incidents into account, to which the product may have been subject during its circuit (from industrial to consumer). All these stages change the product's real shelf life and are not factored into the printed use-by date.

The compulsory display of the Use-By Date on fresh products has been adopted by all industrials, distributors and consumers and is now seen as a contributing factor to food safety.

Nevertheless, the exact meaning of the Use-By Date and the way in which it is determined is lacking for all involved.

Although the Use-By Date may still be valid, there is still a risk of consuming a product that is no longer fresh.