BETTER CODE · INDUSTRIAL CODING KNOWLEDGE
MFG, EXP and Best Before: Understanding Packaging Dates
Manufacturing dates, expiry dates and best-before dates communicate different information. Producers should define them using product-specific evidence and applicable labelling requirements, rather than treating the terms as interchangeable.
What do the abbreviations mean?
MFG or MFD identifies when a product was manufactured. EXP refers to its expiry date. BB or BBE means best before and concerns quality under stated storage conditions. LOT or BATCH identifies a production group and is not an expiry date.
Why the distinction matters
Clear dates help customers find product information and help factories manage stock. A manufacturing date alone cannot establish safety. A best-before date is not a general guarantee that food remains safe afterwards. Follow the product's instructions and storage conditions.
Who determines shelf life?
The producer's responsible quality team should establish shelf life using evidence about the product, process, packaging and storage. Do not copy a period from a similar product. A printer may calculate a date offset, but that feature does not validate the underlying shelf life.
Connect dates to production records
Use dates and lot numbers with records for raw materials, production lines, quality checks and deliveries. Printing a lot number alone does not create a traceability system. Define message templates and approval steps to avoid carrying over the previous product's information.
Choose the printing method from the package
Compare CIJ, TIJ, laser or handheld printing against the material, print position, speed, character size and durability required. Test the actual message after packing, storage and handling. Check the current rules for the product and destination market before approving a label.
Frequently asked questions
Are EXP and BBE the same?
No. They communicate different concepts and should not be substituted without checking product requirements.
Can the printer decide the expiry date?
No. It can print or calculate a configured value, but the responsible producer must establish and approve the shelf-life rule.
