Features of Japanese food labeling.
What do we pay attention to when we buy products or cosmetics in a store. On the appearance, brand recognition, on the composition and, of course, on the expiration date. After the expiration of this period, the product should not be consumed. For those who read this blog, this statement is more than logical! But not everything is so clear when it comes to Japanese products. There are several expiration dates in Japan.
消費期限 ShouHi-Kigen - expiration date. Such marking is put on raw products: minced meat, fresh fish; Perishables: Prepared meals such as dressed salads that cannot be frozen. For medicines that need to be purchased at a pharmacy (not vitamins and dietary supplements). Similar products are not sold in the 36 best kawai store!
使用期間 Shiyo-Kikan - use before. This label is placed on most drugs that are sold in pharmacies for the treatment of diseases. For example, with SARS. This designation can be found on household chemicals. And on single cosmetic products that contain potent medicinal components that are sensitive to storage standards and external influences. The 36 best kawai store has products with this label in its assortment, but there are very few of them. And the care service carefully monitors the funds. If there is 1-2 months left before the expiration date of products with such marking, then they are not for sale!
And then the information is the most important, because most of the products in our range have this marking.
賞味期限 ShouMi-Kigen - best eaten before this date. This marking is put on many food products, including dietary supplements, vitamin complexes. This is the warranty period for the taste of the product. That is, until this date, the product retains all its taste qualities. And after this date, the taste may become less bright, change. BUT!!! After this date, the product is not spoiled, it can be consumed internally. When it comes to food products: biscuits, milk, water, noodles, etc. - the period in which you need to eat / drink them can be quite long: a week for milk, several months for cookies. It is recommended to focus on a subjective assessment, on the appearance, smell, taste.
And if we are talking about dietary supplements, nutritional supplements, then after Seumi-Kigen (implementation date) there are three to six months for use. Of course, you need to focus on this date. If your vitamin complex is close to this date or has stepped over it, then open the package and start taking your vitamin complex.
賞味期限 ShouMi-Kigen can be interpreted in one more way - It is desirable to implement before this date. Desirable, but not required. Stores are allowed to sell after this date. Moreover, in modern Japan there is even a special trend towards awareness of consumption. Therefore, in stores such products are sold at discount prices. Japan has long struggled with a large amount of food waste, so if the product retains its properties and is safe, then why throw it away?
In our store, we indicate the date of sale of dietary supplements, if it occurs in the next six months. And while it's legal and safe, products after ShouMi-Kigen are not sold at 36 best kawai!
