Shelf life calculator: Calculate expiration date

Manufacturers often indicate data in a format that makes us count in our heads: “production date 08/15, shelf life 45 days.” Calculating what date the end of storage falls on, especially if the deadlines move to the next month or year, is a very inconvenient task.

To accurately determine the freshness of foods, medicines and cosmetics, use the algorithm below. It automatically takes into account different month lengths and leap years, eliminating the risk of error. This is useful both for home inspections of the refrigerator and for receiving goods in a store.

Basic shelf life according to GOST

If the label only indicates the packaging date, follow standard sanitary standards (SanPiN). We have collected the most common categories in a convenient table.

Labelling features: how to read labels

Sometimes, instead of familiar Russian words, foreign abbreviations are printed on the product. Here's what they mean:

• MFG (Manufacturing): date of direct production. The countdown begins from there.
• EXP (Expiry date): final date. After this, it is unsafe to use the product.
• BBE (Best Before): recommendation. Translated as “best consumed before.” The product loses some of its taste properties, but remains edible.

Cosmetics and the symbol of the “open jar” (PAO)

Pay attention to creams, shampoos and perfumes. They often have an icon in the form of a slightly open can with a number and the letter M (for example, 12M). This means that from the moment of first opening the composition is safe for exactly 12 months. Even if the total factory life expires only after three years, oxygen starts the oxidation process and the product deteriorates faster.

Frequently asked questions