How to Find the Expiration Date from the Product Barcode?
Expiration dates are of great importance for the food, medicine, cosmetics and other consumer products we buy in our daily lives. As consumers, knowing the expiration dates of products helps us to make a healthy and safe shopping. However, sometimes the date on the packaging is erased, becomes illegible or may not be printed. So, in such a case, how can you find out the expiration date from the product barcode?
Barcode System and Product Information
Barcodes are a system of lines and numbers that allow products to be identified and tracked. However, standard barcodes (EAN-13, UPC, etc.) usually only contain basic product information and do not include the expiration date. However, some companies in the food and pharmaceutical industry can use advanced barcode systems such as QR codes or GS1-128 to store additional information such as expiration date, serial number and batch number.
Expiration Date Inquiry with Barcode Scanner Applications
Some barcodes may show the expiry date when scanned with mobile apps or online databases. You can do this by following the steps below:
Don’t Use Barcode Scanning Apps: Barcode scanning apps that can be installed on smartphones can sometimes show the expiration date of products. Apps such as “Barcode Scanner”, “QR & Barcode Scanner”, “GS1 Barcode Lookup” can help with this.
Check Product Databases: You can find detailed information by entering the product barcode on the official websites of large companies or on platforms such as “Open Food Facts”.
Consult the Market or Manufacturer: If the barcode information alone is not enough, you can get direct information by contacting the customer service of the seller or manufacturer.
Expiration Date Information with GS1-128 and QR Codes
The GS1-128 barcode system can include information such as the serial number, batch number and expiration date of products. Such barcodes are often used for logistics and stock tracking rather than retail sales. In addition, some companies use the QR code system, allowing consumers to access more information about the product through smartphones.
What to do if you can’t read the expiration date from the barcode?
If you cannot access the expiration date with barcode scanning, you can try these steps:
Check the dates on the packaging: Most products have the date in a separate section.
Contact the manufacturer: You can get information by sharing the barcode number.
Ask at the place of purchase: Outlets such as grocery stores or pharmacies can provide you with direct information.
Conclusion
While barcodes are an effective system for identifying products, standard barcodes usually do not include expiration dates. However, it may be possible to access this information through GS1-128, QR codes or company databases. It is important to act consciously as a consumer and verify the freshness of products by making the necessary checks for a healthy shopping.
