Shelf life is the length of time that a commodity may be stored without becoming unfit for use, consumption, or sale. In other words, it might refer to whether a commodity should no longer be on a pantry shelf (unfit for use), or just no longer on a supermarket shelf (unfit for sale, but not yet unfit for use). It applies to
cosmetics,
foods and
beverages,
medical devices,
medicines,
explosives,
pharmaceutical drugs,
chemicals,
tyres,
batteries, and many other
perishable items. In some regions, an advisory
best before, mandatory
use by, or
freshness date is required on packaged perishable foods.
