France published a decree on 18th November 2022 for a voluntary additional indication to the minimum durability date as provided in Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (Annex X), in order to inform more clearly that the product remains consumable once its minimum durability date has been exceeded. This decree applies to foodstuffs manufactured and marketed in France; food business operators will be able voluntarily to:
- add the words ‘For optimal taste’, before the indication of the date of minimum durability under the conditions provided for in 1) of Annex X of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011; OR
- add the words ‘This product may be consumed after this date or any indication having the same meaning for the consumer, in the same visual field as the minimum durability date; OR
- add a combination of these above statements.
Note that the terms ‘use by’ accompanying the use-by date (DLC) remain unchanged.
This decree will take effect immediately.