Question from a reader:
I have a question about a can of beer I received as a gift. I received a six-pack of Suntory draft beer, and the outer paper states a best-before date of 2025.09 and a production date of 2025.01. Three of the cans inside have the same information. However, the other three cans have a best-before date of
2025.06 and a production date of 2024.10, which is different. Is this something that happens often? I have already consumed two cans, but I’m not too worried about any harm to my health. However, since it was a gift and I don’t have a receipt, I’m unsure whether I should contact Suntory. I usually don’t pay attention to can expiration dates, so I happened to notice this. I’m not sure if it’s a printing error due to the similarity between 6 and 9, a reading mistake, or if the store staff rearranged a damaged pack. When I checked with the person who gave it to me, they said they hadn’t done anything special. What should I do?
Introduction
We received a question regarding a gift of canned beer. The reader is concerned about the presence of cans with different best-before and production dates and is unsure whether to drink them or contact the manufacturer. In this article, we will analyze this issue from a legal perspective and provide practical advice.
Difference Between Best-Before Date and Expiration Date
First, it is important to understand the difference between a best-before date and an expiration date. The best-before date indicates the period during which the product is expected to maintain its quality, and it does not mean that the product becomes inedible immediately after this date. On the other hand, the expiration date is the date after which consumption is not recommended. In the case of alcoholic beverages, a best-before date is often set, and while the taste and aroma may deteriorate after this date, health risks are generally considered low.
Quality Control of Canned Beer
In manufacturing, quality control is extremely important. Typically, checks are conducted on the production line, and it is rare for best-before dates or production dates to be printed incorrectly, but it is not impossible. For example, issues such as printing machine malfunctions, operator errors, or temporary staff shortages can affect this. Additionally, during the distribution process, cans may mix with others. Store staff may rearrange damaged packs or swap cans with other products, so caution is needed. In such cases, consumers face the risk of not receiving accurate information.
Is It Safe to Drink?
If the cans of beer you received have different best-before dates printed on them, whether to drink them is ultimately up to the consumer’s judgment. Generally, if the best-before date is still valid, there should be no quality issues, but please pay attention to the following points: – Appearance: Check for any abnormalities in the can’s exterior. If there are dents or bulges, there may be internal issues, and it is better to avoid drinking it. – Aroma and Taste: If you notice any unusual smell or taste after opening, it is best not to drink it. If there are abnormalities, it may indicate further deterioration.
Contacting the Manufacturer
When considering whether to contact Suntory directly, it is helpful to take the following points into account: – Information Provision: If there is an issue with the product, contacting the manufacturer is important. They can listen to consumer feedback and use it to improve quality. – No Receipt: Even if it was a gift and you lack a receipt, you can still contact the manufacturer using the can’s barcode or other information. By providing the product’s lot number and best-before date, you can obtain more detailed information. – Personal Experience: Your own experience of drinking it without health issues is also important information. However, it is necessary to report any abnormalities for the sake of other consumers.
Legal Analysis
Food-related laws are very strict. The laws regarding food labeling in Japan mainly include the following: – Food Sanitation Act: A law that ensures the safety of food, including regulations on product labeling and storage methods. – Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations: A law that requires accurate labeling to avoid misleading consumers, including the display of best-before dates. Based on these laws, companies are obligated to manage quality and provide accurate information to consumers. If a consumer feels there is an issue, they can potentially take legal action against the manufacturer, but this varies depending on the specific case and the nature of the harm, so careful handling is necessary.
Preventive Measures and Future Actions
To prevent issues like this from occurring in the future, the following measures can be considered: – Verification at Purchase: When buying at supermarkets or convenience stores, it is important to check that the best-before date and production date match correctly. – Verification of Gifts: In the case of received gifts, if possible, check the best-before and production dates, and if there are any abnormalities, it is advisable to contact the giver immediately. – Utilizing Consumer Consultation Services: If you have concerns, contacting consumer consultation services to receive advice from experts can also be effective.
Conclusion
When there are cans of beer with different best-before and production dates mixed in a gift, it may be difficult to make a judgment. However, from a legal perspective, contacting the manufacturer can help protect your rights. Additionally, when consuming, it is important to check the appearance, aroma, and taste, and to avoid drinking if there are any abnormalities. Through this experience, it is essential to learn points of caution regarding food and beverages and to strengthen preventive measures going forward.
