The Milk (Special Designation) Regulations 1988

Indication of minimum durability

3.—(1) Subject to the sub-paragraphs below, the minimum durability of milk shall be indicated by–

(a) the words “best before” followed by the date up to and including which the milk can reasonably be expected to retain its specific properties if properly stored, and

(b) any storage conditions which need to be observed if the milk is to retain its specific properties until that date.

(2) The date in the indication of minimum durability shall be expressed in terms of a day, month and year, in that order, except that–

(a) in the case of milk which can reasonably be expected to retain its specific properties for three months or less, it may be expressed in terms of a day and month only, and

(b) in the case of milk which can reasonably be expected to retain its specific properties for more than three months, it may be expressed in terms of a month and year only, if the words “best before” are replaced by the words “best before end”.

(3) The date up to and including which milk can reasonably be expected to retain its specific properties if properly stored may appear on the labelling of the milk separately from the words “best before” or “best before end”, as the case may be, provided that those words are followed by a reference to the place where the date appears.

(4) In the case of milk which is intended for consumption within six weeks of being packed, the minimum durability of the milk may be indicated by–

(a) the words “sell by”–

(i) followed (subject to sub-paragraph (5) below) by the latest recommended date of sale of the milk, expressed in terms of a day and month; and

(ii) immediately preceded or immediately followed by an indication of the period from the date of purchase for which the milk can reasonably be expected to retain its specific properties if properly stored; and

(b) any storage conditions which need to be observed if the milk is to retain its specific properties for the period referred to in paragraph (a)(ii) of this sub-paragraph.

(5) Where the minimum durability of milk is indicated in the manner permitted by sub-paragraph (4) above, the latest recommended date of sale may appear on the labelling of the milk separately from the words “sell by”, provided that those words are followed by a reference to the place where the date appears.