Food expiration and recalls may mean a product is no longer consumable, but they are handled differently.

As a professional focused on optimizing systems for clients in retail, logistics, and supply chain management, I know how crucial it is to track these products accurately.

Poor tracking can lead to costly mistakes, delays, and compliance risks—especially when products need to be removed from shelves or redistributed quickly.

GS1 QR barcodes offer a smarter, more efficient way to track food products and manage these processes.

The use of GS1 QR codes for food expiration and recalls helps businesses reduce errors, improve traceability, and act fast—whether handling expired products or executing recalls

But what exactly distinguishes expiration and recalls, and how can GS1 digital link QR codes simplify the tracking of both? Let’s explore.

Understanding food expiration

Expiration dates on food can be confusing. In most cases, it doesn’t always mean the food suddenly becomes unsafe after that date.

The trick is knowing which labels matter for safety and which are just about quality—because mixing them up can lead to either wasted food or, worse, a foodborne illness.

There are two main types of date labels you’ll see on food packaging:

“Use by” date – Safety

This date is the manufacturer’s recommended cutoff for consuming a product at its peak quality. But just because the date has passed doesn’t always mean the food is instantly bad.

Storage conditions matter. It might still be safe to eat if kept properly, but perishable foods like dairy, meat, and ready-to-eat meals can grow bacteria even before this date if mishandled.

That’s why you should always rely on your senses. If the texture, smell, or appearance is off—even before the “Use By” date—don’t risk it. One hard rule: the “Use By” date is absolute for infant formula. No exceptions.

“Best before” date – Quality

This date is about food tasting at its best—not whether it’s still safe to eat. A product past its “Best Before” date may lose flavor, texture, or freshness, but it’s usually still fine. Dry goods like pasta, canned foods, and snacks often last much longer if stored correctly.

Disposal or donation

Retailers are expected to pull products past their “Use By” date and may also remove items past their “Best Before” date if quality is a concern.

Consumers are responsible for storing food properly and making the final call to eat or toss something. They are generally not able to replace expired food items.

However, some stores might let you return or exchange expired items, but that’s really up to the store’s policy.

Food past its “best before” date may be donated to food redistribution organizations. However, they’ll carefully check its quality and safety.

Food past its “use by” date is almost never donated due to safety concerns. Always check an organization’s specific donation guidelines before contributing.

What are food recalls?

A food recall happens when a product is pulled from shelves because it could be unsafe. Most recalls are due to food hazards like bacterial contamination, undeclared allergens, or harmful chemicals.

Recalls usually start with the manufacturer or distributor and are handled in coordination with food safety authorities.

They are announced through regulatory agencies’ websites ( like FDA, USDA, or CFIA), press releases, retailer notifications, company websites/social media, news outlets, and sometimes hotlines or SMS alerts.

Major recalls may also get PSAs or in-store warnings for faster consumer awareness. Once a recall is announced, the product is immediately removed to stop further sales. Making the recall public is key—it warns both consumers and businesses so they can take action quickly.

Who disposes of recalled products depends on the supply chain. Sometimes, retailers handle it; most of the time, it’s up to the manufacturer after stock recovery.

Some recalled food, if still safe but unsuitable for human consumption, may be used in non-food industries (like composting or biofuel production).

Consumer refunds or replacements are often an option, but it depends on the retailer’s policy and the reason for the recall.

Some stores or manufacturers offer refunds, while others may give a replacement or store credit. It’s always best to check with the retailer to know what’s possible.

Difference to market withdrawal

‘Withdrawing a product in the market’ happens when a product is removed from the shelves, but not because it is immediately dangerous.

It’s usually triggered by issues like labeling mistakes, packaging defects, or minor quality concerns. The product itself isn’t harmful, but it doesn’t meet the required standards for sale.

Unlike recalls, which are about safety risks, market withdrawals focus on products that are still safe to use but need to be removed for compliance or quality reasons.

These products don’t pose a direct risk to consumers, but they shouldn’t still be sold. Think of it as a precautionary step—just to be safe.

How a GS1 QR code for food expiration and recalls work

GS1 QR barcodes are versatile, data-rich barcodes that can store important information such as a product’s Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), batch/lot number, expiration date (use by), and more. Unlike traditional UPC barcodes, which only identify products.

They are powerful tools for managing expiration dates and product recalls—but only if they’re set up correctly.

Think of them like a high-tech safety system in your car. If the sensors are working, they help you avoid accidents. If they’re not calibrated right, you’re driving blind.

When properly implemented, the use of GS1 QR codes for food expiration and recalls offers accurate tracking of expiration dates and streamlined recall processes, ensuring that faulty or expired products don’t reach consumers.

Expiration tracking done right

Scanning the QR code provides immediate visibility into a product’s expiration date and shelf life, allowing businesses to manage stock efficiently and consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

Faster, more precise recalls

• End-to-End Traceability – Properly set up GS1 digital link QR codes allow businesses to trace a product’s journey through the supply chain, identifying where it came from and where it’s gone, helping pinpoint affected items in case of a recall.
• Pinpointed Recalls, Less Waste – When a recall is necessary, the batch/lot number encoded in the QR code ensures that only the affected products are pulled. This targeted approach reduces waste and financial loss, as you do not recall entire batches unnecessarily.
• Immediate Recall Notifications – Manufacturers can update the digital link in the QR code to show when a product has been recalled. Once that link is updated, anyone who scans the code will instantly know the product has been pulled, so they can act quickly. Simple, fast, and direct.

Implementing these codes correctly ensures they work as intended. Businesses should focus on using GS1 QR barcodes to improve safety and efficiency.

Upgrading to GS1 digital link QR codes

There’s a global push to replace traditional UPC barcodes with GS1 QR codes, especially as businesses look to improve traceability and streamline their operations.

If you’re looking to make the upgrade, a dynamic GS1 QR code generator is available to help make this transition smooth and straightforward

Optimizing food safety and quality tracking

Using a GS1 QR code for food expiration and recalls can seriously improve how businesses manage product safety.

With the right setup, you’re not just keeping track of expiration dates but also making sure recalls happen smoothly and without unnecessary waste.

Consumers will appreciate the transparency, and businesses will be able to act faster, reducing risks and ensuring compliance.

It’s a simple, effective tool—like having the right instructions on a toy car. Get the setup right, and it runs like a charm.