In daily life, the expiry date (EOD) is a very important factor in the products we buy from the market or pharmacy. However, many consumers may not pay enough attention to this detail when shopping. So why is the expiration date so critical? Which products should pay particular attention? Here are the details.
Why is the Expiration Date Important?
The expiration date determines the period during which the product can be safely and effectively consumed. Product after the specified date:
- It may lose its chemical and physical structure,
- Nutritional value may decrease,
- It can become hazardous to health,
- May cause irritation or allergic reactions to skin care and cosmetic products.
This is why it is vital to check the expiration date, especially in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Which Products Should Pay More Attention to Expiration Dates?
For some products, the SKT can be a bigger risk factor. Here are the product groups to check in particular:
- Food Products:
- Milk and dairy products
- Meat, chicken and fish
- Canned and packaged foods
- Dried legumes and cereals
- Medicines and Supplements:
- Prescription medicines
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
- Syrups and drops
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
- Sunscreens
- Moisturizers and serums
- Makeup products
- Deodorants and perfumes
The expiry date of such products may cause the product to lose its effectiveness and cause health problems.
Risks of Products with Unchecked Expiration Dates
Using expired products can lead to many health problems. Here are the most common risks:
- Food Poisoning Consuming spoiled food can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Skin Irritation and Allergy: Deterioration of cosmetic products can cause skin itching, rashes and infections.
- Reduced Efficacy of Medicines: Expired medicines may be insufficient in the treatment process and may cause side effects.
How to get into the habit of checking expiration dates?
In order for consumers to get into the habit of checking the SKT, it would be useful to follow these steps:
- Be Aware Before Shopping: Find out which products are critical.
- Check the dates on the package: Check the dates, especially on sale or overstock items.
- Store Products According to Storage Conditions: Proper storage conditions help the product to maintain freshness and effectiveness.
- Prioritize products approaching their expiry date: When organizing your shelves, place products that need to be consumed first up front.
Conclusion
The expiration date is an important element that directly affects our health. For this reason, it should always be checked when grocery shopping or purchasing cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Paying attention to the expiry date is an important habit both to maintain a healthy life and to prevent financial losses.
