Understanding Nestle Product Details
Friday, November 03, 2023
What is a batch code and what does it do?
A batch code is the first 8-10 characters of the full manufacturing code. This includes production year, production Julian date calendar, plant code, plant specific line and time stamp.
For example: 20530375S 05:23
Knowing this information, allows our team Quality Assurance team to investigate further by examining any retain samples kept .
What is a retain sample?
A retain sample, also known as a reserve sample or reference sample, is a portion of a product that is kept by the manufacturer or distributor for future reference and testing purposes. It serves as a representative sample of a specific batch or lot of a product that has been produced or distributed.
Retain samples are typically stored under controlled conditions, such as in a secure and controlled environment, to ensure their integrity and stability over time. These samples are retained for a specified period, as required by regulations or company policies, and can be used for various purposes, including:
1. Quality Control: Retain samples allow manufacturers to compare future batches of the product against the original sample to ensure consistency and quality standards are maintained.
2.Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory authorities may request retain samples during inspections or audits to verify compliance with safety, quality, and labeling regulations.
3.Product Investigations: In the event of a consumer complaint, product recall, or quality issue, retain samples can be analyzed to investigate the cause and determine any necessary corrective actions.
4.Stability Testing: Retain samples can be used for ongoing stability testing to assess the product's shelf life, potency, and degradation over time.
Retain samples play a crucial role in ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance. They provide a reference point for comparison and analysis, allowing manufacturers to monitor and maintain the integrity of their products throughout their lifecycle.
What is the UPC Code?
A Universal Product Code (UPC) or SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) number consists of a 12 digit code that is uniquely assigned to track items in store. This is the number you can find where the product is scanned.
What is a best before date?
A best before date tells you how long a properly stored unopened food product will keep its:
• freshness
• taste
• nutritional value
• any other qualities claimed by the manufacturer
If the unopened product has been properly handled, it should maintain its quality until this date.
However, these dates don't guarantee product safety; what they provide is information about the freshness and potential shelf-life of the foods you are buying.
This information is usually found on the label with the words "best before" and "meilleur avant".
• Sample best before date: BB/MA 2023 AU 14
• How to read: Best Before/Meilleur Avant 2023 August 14
Note: A best before date is not the same as an expiration date.
Nestle does not recommend consuming products past Best Before Date due only to lack of freshness that can affect the consumer experience though product sensory attributes (i.e. flavour, taste, etc.) without impacting Food Safety. For more information you can visit: Understanding the date labels on your food - Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca)
What is an expiry date?
Expiration dates are required only on certain foods that have strict compositional and nutritional specifications which might not be met if the product passes the expiration date.
After the expiration date, the food may not have the same nutrient content declared as on the label.
Food should not be bought, sold, or eaten if the expiration date has passed. It should be discarded.
Can I consume a product passed the Best before date or expiry date?
Best Before Date: A "best before" date is commonly found on non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dry goods, and packaged snacks. It indicates the date until which the manufacturer guarantees the product's optimal quality, flavor, and texture. Consuming the product after the best before date does not necessarily mean it is unsafe, but there may be a decline in taste or texture.
Expiry Date: An "expiry" date is typically found on perishable goods, including fresh produce, dairy products, and meats. It indicates the date by which the product should be consumed for safety reasons. Consuming the product after the expiry date may pose health risks as the product could have deteriorated, leading to potential bacterial growth or loss of nutritional value.
It is important to note that while the expiry date is associated with safety concerns, the best before date primarily relates to quality. It is always recommended to use your judgment when consuming food products. If you are unsure about the safety or quality of a product, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.