Deadline for consumption (DLC), minimum durability (DDM), freezing

Verified 06 February 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

It exists 2 categories from deadline for food products : the use-by date (DLC) and the date of minimum durability (MDD). How do I know which date indicates a health risk and which date corresponds only to the quality of the product? Only exceeding the CLD carries a health risk. There is also the freezing date, specifying when the product was frozen or the first time if it was frozen several times. We present you the information to know.

DLC

The DLC is the date after which the consumption of a product becomes dangerous to health.

It is indicated on highly perishable and packaged food products. For example, already cut meats, cold cuts, refrigerated ready meals, yogurt.

This date is set by the manufacturer, except for a few products for which health regulations are required.

The DLC is indicated by the words: "To be consumed until..." followed by the indication of the day, month and possibly year or a reference to the place where the date is indicated on the packaging (or labeling) of the product.

These statements are followed by a description of the storage conditions to be respected. For example, for a ready-to-eat salad in a sachet: DLC: To consume until 18/02/2026.

No, this is not possible because once the DLC is exceeded, the product may be altered or dangerous to your health.

A trader who does not comply with the DLC and who sells expired products is liable to penalties. He may also be held responsible in the event of a health problem related to the consumption of the expired product.

The DLC is only valid if the recommended storage conditions on the packaging have been met (e.g. refrigerator temperature). A break in the cold chain can make the product dangerous before the deadline.

FYI  

In the event of an error in the manufacturer's labeling on the DLC, the manufacturer is obliged to recall his products and declare them on Rappelconso.

Selling a food that is unfit for consumption is punishable by a fine.

The penalties differ depending on whether the expired product is offered for sale by simple negligence or with a intent to deceive the consumer:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Negligent Sale

It is forbidden to offer a product for sale the day after the DLC.

The seller of expired products risks a fine of €1,500 by expired product offered for sale.

In case of dispute, it is necessary to alert the Directorate of Population Protection (DDPP) of his department.

Who shall I contact

Intent to deceive

It is forbidden to offer a product for sale the day after the DLC.

A seller who willfully sells out-of-date products in an attempt to deceive his customers is guilty of a misleading offense. This is particularly the case if expired products have been sold with a new label with a more recent date. That's what we call the repack.

The person responsible for a deception offense (shopkeeper, department head...) risks a sentence of up to 7 years in prison and €750,000 of fine. If the facts are serious, the fine may be increased up to 10%the average annual turnover, calculated on the last 3 annual turnover figures known at the time of the facts.

The store may also be prosecuted as a legal entity for offenses committed by its employees on its behalf. For example, if management has instructed the department head to avoid financial losses. In this case, the company risks a fine of €3 750 000 maximum. It also risks all or part of the following sanctions:

  • Display of the court decision in the store or in the media
  • Prohibition to carry out the activity in question (butchery for example) permanently or for 5 years
  • Permanent closure or for 5 years.

In case of dispute, it is necessary to alert the Directorate of Population Protection (DDPP) of his department.

Who shall I contact

A trader who fails to comply with his obligation to report to Rappelconso is liable to a 5th class fine (€1,500 maximum).

MDD

The date of minimum durability is a indicative date.

Once the date has passed, the product loses its taste or nutritional qualities (e.g. a decrease in vitamin content), but it is not dangerous for health.

This is the case, for example, for dry, sterilized or dehydrated products (coffee, milk, fruit juices, dry cakes, cans...).)

FYI  

For some products, the indication of the MDD is not mandatory. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables, wines, vinegars, salt, sugar pieces, chewing gum.

The date of minimum durability of the products shall be preceded by one of the following:

  • "To be consumed preferably before the ..." when the date includes the indication of the day,
  • "To be consumed preferably before the end ..." in other cases.

The accuracy of the date depends on the durability of the product:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Less than 3 months

The manufacturer can only indicate the day and month on the product.

Between 3 months and 18 months

The manufacturer can only indicate the month and year on the product.

More than 18 months

The manufacturer can only indicate the year on the product.

FYI  

Since the measures to combat food waste, professionals can add additional information to better inform the consumer, such as « this product can be consumed after this date » or « for optimal quality before… », without questioning the MDD.

A product may be offered for sale with an outdated MDD. This is not an offense (i.e. an act prohibited by law).

However, the seller remains responsible for the safety of the product. If it is altered, unfit for consumption or presents a risk to health, its sale may engage its responsibility, regardless of the MDD.

Date of freezing

The freezing date is the date on which the product has been frozen or on the date 1re freezing if the product has been frozen several times.

This date must appear on the following products:

  • Frozen meat and meat preparations
  • Frozen unprocessed fishery products (fish,...). seafood

The words "Frozen product"..." must appear on the label followed by the day, month and year or a reference to the place where the date is indicated.

This obligation is intended to ensure the tracing products and to enable the consumer to know the age of freezing, in particular in the case of prohibited re-freezing after thawing.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • DGCCRF 0809 540 550 - ResponseConso

    Are you having a problem following a purchase? Do you have a question about a point of law before buying or ordering?

    You can get an answer from an agent of the DGCCRF: titleContent by calling the 0809,540,550.

    Opening hours of the service:

    Number not overtaxed

    • Monday and Tuesday: from 8.30am to 12.30pm and from 1.15pm to 5.15pm
    • Wednesday: 1:15 pm to 5:15 pm
    • Thursday: from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
    • Friday: from 8:30 am to 4 pm

FAQ