Shelf life refers to the time during which a product can be stored intact for use, consumption or sale. In general, after the expiry date, foodstuffs must be unloaded from the market shelves. However, expiration dates are not indicative of the actual shelf life of the products. These are mostly for information purposes. However, foodstuffs should be presented to consumers in a healthy and appropriate manner.

Shelf life of foods is a date that shows how long they can be kept in warehouses or shelves before the quality deteriorates. Shelf life on products is expressed as use by date, or sell by date, or best before date. Shelf life should be evaluated depending on the type of product for which this coding is made. So the shelf life is different for each product.

Shelf life is important for consumers as it is a period of time in which food can be stored under certain storage conditions while maintaining optimum storage quality and safety. Shelf life begins as soon as a foodstuff is produced and is determined by many factors, such as the production process, packaging type, storage conditions and contents.

In general, the terms stated on the product as consume, or consume up to date indicate shelf life. This period is the period in which the quality of the food is preserved at the highest level. If these foods are consumed after the specified shelf life, there is a risk of food poisoning.

Determination of shelf life is an integral part of food safety management systems for manufacturers. Manufacturers see shelf life as part of regular inspection of these systems.

Shelf-life tests carried out by the competent authorities comply with the methods and standards published by domestic and foreign organizations.