Dear poster ,

I would advise that one's BB dates for a product has elaspsed this indicate it's life shelf is gone ...so the product can't be used any more ,your suggestions of ingnoring the BB dates is not appropriate.

It's understandable sometimes the supplies do not reach in time as it was required hence affecting it's usage ...the only thing you can do is to inform UNICEF or whatever bidy has supported you with that product and discussed on how to relocate those products to other implementing partners , Government facilities that lacks the supplies and will be in position to uterlize it within the product life shelf.

Regards ,Mirriam Akullu ,Nutritionist , Public specialist.

The difference between BB and Expiry dates is crucial for understanding the shelf life and safety of nutritional supplies like RTFU and BSF. Here's a breakdown:

BB (Best Before):

• Indicates the date by which the product will retain its optimal quality, taste, texture, and nutrient content.
• Consuming past the BB date doesn't necessarily mean the product is unsafe, but its properties might be compromised.
• Use your senses of sight, smell, and taste to assess if the product is still good after the BB date. If it looks, smells, or tastes off, discard it.

Expiry Date:

• Indicates the last safe date to consume the product.
• Exceeding the expiry date can pose a health risk due to potential spoilage or nutrient degradation.
• Never consume a product past its expiry date.

Specific to RTFU and BSF:

• RTFU (Ready-to-Use Formula): These typically have shorter shelf lives due to their liquid nature and lack of preservatives. Their BB date might be closer to their expiry date.
• BSF (Bar/Solid Formula): With less moisture and potential for spoilage, these often have longer shelf lives. Their BB date could be significantly before their expiry date.

Always rely on the specific dates printed on your RTFU and BSF products. Don't hesitate to contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns about the quality or safety of a product, regardless of the date.

Here are some additional tips:

• Store your RTFU and BSF products according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually involves cool, dry conditions and avoiding direct sunlight.
• Open only the amount of product you need at a time and reseal the package properly.
• If you're unsure about the safety of a product, err on the side of caution and discard it.

By understanding the difference between BB and expiry dates and applying these tips, you can ensure the safe and optimal consumption of your nutritional supplies.

It is not advisable to ignore best before date because the safety and quality of the foods cannot be guaranteed after the BB date, even if the food is within two years of its production date. A good approach would be to order for fresh supplies to reach you with adequate shelf life left. If the batch of food cannot be changed for some reason, check with the supplier to clarify on the confusing dates. As a last resort before discarding, the supplier may give an extension of shelf life based on their data or conduct quality checks on the batch to its safety and quality.

In short, do not use food beyong its BB date without assessing and confirming its safety and quality.