Expiry Date Is A Scam

(Why "best before" is rarely about your safety, and always about their profit)

1. The Myth You’re Sold

You are told expiry dates are absolute truth — that the moment the clock strikes midnight on that date, the food, medicine, or cosmetic turns into poison. Ads, packaging, and “friendly reminders” from shopkeepers drill this into your head. They frame it as “We care for your health” but in reality, it’s “We care for our sales turnover.”

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2. How It Actually Works

a) Food & Groceries

Most packaged foods have “Best Before” dates that are conservative, not scientific. They’re based on how long the company can guarantee freshness, not safety.

Biscuits, chips, jams, pickles, sauces — many remain perfectly fine for months (sometimes years) after that date if stored well.

But the moment the date passes, retailers pull it off shelves — not to protect you, but to restock and make you buy more.

Sometimes, the very same products are rebranded and re-dated for sale in small towns or rural markets.

b) Medicines

Drug expiry dates are chosen to ensure the company sells through stock quickly.

Many tablets and capsules remain stable and effective far beyond their printed expiry, especially if kept dry and cool.

Hospitals and chemists are forced to destroy “expired” stock — an enormous waste that ensures you buy fresh packs.

Ironically, government warehouses sometimes use “expired” stock in public health drives when supplies run low — proving it’s often still effective.

c) Cosmetics & Personal Care

Shampoos, creams, perfumes, soaps — most don’t truly “expire” unless contaminated.

The “24 months after opening” symbol is used to create urgency — even if you’ve used the product only twice.

This tactic is especially pushed in beauty industry where constant repurchase is the business model.

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3. The Indian Layer

Festival Rush: Around Diwali, Holi, Eid, and wedding seasons, distributors push “almost-expired” stock into smaller towns at discounts, clearing warehouses while you feel you got a “deal.”

School & Office Canteens: Often get bulk consignments close to expiry for cheap, serve them, and no one notices.

Medicine Samples: Free samples to doctors? Often close to expiry. But they still work, and the same batch may be sold elsewhere.

Customs Seizures: “Expired” imported chocolates and dry fruits from ports quietly enter rural markets — with repackaging and a new date stamp.

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4. Why They Want You to Believe the Lie

Faster turnover = higher profit.

Legal protection — if you fall sick after consuming something past date, they are free from liability.

Market conditioning — you learn to see old as dangerous, new as safe.

Waste = opportunity — they sell the same “expired” goods in a secondary market, doubling gains.

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5. How the Scam Hooks You Psychologically

Fear of food poisoning, guilt about “risking health.”

Social pressure — “Don’t serve expired biscuits to guests.”

Confusion between Best Before (quality) and Use By (safety).

The thrill of “fresh” — even if it’s just a label swap.

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6. How to Outsmart It

Learn the difference: “Best Before” is about quality, “Use By” is about safety.

Store properly: Keep dry goods in airtight containers, medicines in cool dark places.

Use your senses: Check smell, texture, taste before throwing anything.

Buy in small quantities: So you finish before the printed date without waste.

Support honest sellers: Some retailers openly tell you what’s safe beyond the date.

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7. Who Benefits From Your Ignorance

FMCG companies — faster repeat purchases.

Retail chains — restock drives more revenue.

Distributors — bulk clearance to smaller vendors.

Waste contractors — “expired” stock resale in grey markets.

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8. The Hidden Cost to You

You waste good food, money, and medicine.

You buy into the myth that “old” equals dangerous — losing self-reliance.

You become dependent on official dates instead of your own judgment.

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9. The Bigger Picture

This scam isn’t just about printed numbers.

It’s about keeping you in a permanent state of buying, removing your ability to trust your senses, and making you feel helpless without corporate “protection.”

It’s another way the system manufactures scarcity and fear — even when there is none.

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Expiry Date Scam Examples in India

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1. Packaged Snack Foods in Urban and Rural Markets

What happens:

Big brands print conservative “Best Before” dates (often 6 months or 1 year) on chips, namkeen, biscuits, and sweets. Once the date nears, urban supermarkets withdraw stock and return to warehouses. These “expired” goods are sold in smaller towns or rural markets with a fresh re-label or simply at discounted rates without date changes.

The catch:

Most snacks stay edible and safe months beyond “best before.” The “expiry” is about crispness or flavor, not safety. Still, consumers discard or avoid them, wasting food and money.

Who profits:

Manufacturers clear warehouse stock rapidly. Distributors earn by selling “expired” stock in secondary markets. Retailers sell new fresh stock in metros at full price again.

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2. Pharmaceuticals in Government Hospitals and Clinics

What happens:

Government hospitals receive medicine batches that are close to expiry to save procurement costs. When expiry nears, these medicines are discarded officially or sometimes redistributed unofficially to dispensaries in remote areas.

The catch:

Medicines often remain effective beyond expiry if stored properly. However, forced destruction leads to huge wastage, and the need for repurchase keeps costs high. Patients unknowingly consume “expired” or near-expired medicines in remote areas.

Who profits:

Pharma companies ensure steady orders by supplying in batches with near expiry dates. Government agencies avoid paying full price upfront. Middlemen and local distributors earn by offloading near-expired stock.

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3. Cosmetics and Toiletries Sold in Local Kirana and Beauty Shops

What happens:

Stock close to expiry is pushed to small local stores at discounts. Many local sellers don’t update “expiry” labels, selling to unaware customers. Some manufacturers intentionally print short shelf lives to increase repeat sales.

The catch:

Cosmetics often degrade slowly and become less effective or may irritate skin over time, but are rarely dangerous immediately after expiry. Yet consumers discard them prematurely.

Who profits:

Beauty product companies get repeated purchases. Distributors and local sellers get rid of old stock fast.

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4. Imported Chocolates and Confectionery Sold in Tier 2/3 Cities

What happens:

Imported goodies seized at customs for “expired” or near expiry dates are repackaged in local units and sold with fresh printed dates in small towns and villages.

The catch:

Many consumers buy expensive chocolates believing them fresh, unaware of grey market origins. The quality and safety may be compromised due to storage conditions.

Who profits:

Smugglers, repackagers, local sellers, and distributors make large margins by selling seized or grey-market stock.

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5. Milk and Dairy Products in Urban Slums and Rural Areas

What happens:

Dairy companies push “best before” dates on milk powder and yogurt aggressively. In slums or villages, near-expiry dairy items are sold at steep discounts without clear labelling.

The catch:

Many products remain safe if stored properly but are discarded in big cities. This causes a supply crunch and pushes consumers in poorer areas to buy discounted “expired” products.

Who profits:

Companies and distributors sell surplus stock quickly; local vendors cater to price-sensitive buyers.

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6. Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine Expiry Dates

What happens:

Many ayurvedic medicines have printed expiry dates that are far shorter than their actual shelf life, because modern packaging companies advise this. Old stock is discarded or sold cheaply near expiry.

The catch:

Traditional knowledge says many herbs remain potent for years, but modern expiry labels mislead buyers into wasting or discarding.

Who profits:

Manufacturers maintain high turnover and force repeated purchases. Suppliers clear old stock fast.

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7. Cooking Oil and Ghee Bottles

What happens:

Large batches of oils and ghee have expiry dates that manufacturers set very conservatively. Retailers withdraw near-expiry stock and sell older batches to smaller shops or through wholesale channels without relabelling.

The catch:

Oils may become rancid after expiry, but many are safe for weeks after if unopened and stored well. Consumers in smaller towns end up buying “expired” or low-quality oils unknowingly.

Who profits:

Companies get fresh stock sales in metros. Distributors and wholesalers clear older stock profitably.

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8. Packaged Drinking Water (Bottled Water)

What happens:

Bottled water companies put expiry dates, often 6-12 months from bottling. Retailers return old stock to distributors, who sell “expired” or near-expiry bottles to local vendors or roadside sellers at a discount.

The catch:

Water itself doesn’t expire but plastic bottles may leach chemicals over time. Still, many vendors sell old bottles to price-sensitive customers.

Who profits:

Water brands push frequent reorders. Distributors and local sellers liquidate old stock quickly.

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9. Spices and Masalas in Packets

What happens:

Packaged spices have “best before” dates, but many retain aroma and safety far beyond. Some companies repack returned near-expiry stock in smaller packs or mixed blends.

The catch:

Consumers lose faith in using older spices and keep buying new packs unnecessarily.

Who profits:

Packagers push more sales. Distributors clear stock.

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10. Canned Foods and Ready-to-Eat Meals

What happens:

Canned products removed from supermarket shelves due to “expiry” get sold in bulk to smaller vendors or through online flash sales with reprinted dates.

The catch:

Many canned foods are safe well past expiry, but consumers throw them away or pay full price for “new” cans.

Who profits:

Manufacturers, distributors, and secondary sellers.

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Summary:

The expiry date scam in India is widespread and touches every consumer good. It thrives on conservative expiry labeling, forced withdrawal and disposal of near-expiry stock, and resale through secondary markets — all while convincing consumers to distrust their own senses and buy fresh repeatedly. The real losers are you, the consumer, who waste money and food, while the system profits endlessly.

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Dialogue: Madhukar Explains the Expiry Date Scam & Practical Wisdom

Visitor:

Madhukar ji, I keep hearing that a lot of things we throw after expiry are still okay. How true is that? Aren’t expiry dates meant to keep us safe?

Madhukar:

That’s a very important question. You see, expiry dates are not always about your immediate safety. Many times, they’re conservative limits set by companies to protect themselves legally and to ensure faster sales turnover.

Visitor:

So, you mean companies want us to throw away food and medicines even if they might still be okay?

Madhukar:

Exactly. For example, “Best Before” dates mean the product may lose its taste, aroma, or texture after that date — but it might still be safe to consume. “Use By” dates are stricter and usually indicate when something might become unsafe.

Visitor:

But I see shops pulling things off shelves before the expiry. Isn’t that a big waste?

Madhukar:

It is. This forced removal leads to huge waste in cities. Then, these “expired” or near-expiry goods are often sold in smaller towns or villages at discounted prices. Sometimes they’re repackaged or simply relabelled.

Visitor:

That sounds like a scam. What about medicines? Isn’t that dangerous?

Madhukar:

Medicines are tricky. They have expiry dates based on stability tests in controlled environments. But in reality, many medicines remain effective months or even years after expiry if stored properly. Unfortunately, hospitals and pharmacies destroy expired stock, which wastes precious resources.

Visitor:

So how do we know what’s safe to use and what isn’t?

Madhukar:

Good question. You must learn to use your senses and knowledge along with the expiry date. Here are some things to remember:

Look: Check color and texture. If a food or medicine looks off—discolored, moldy, or crumbling—don’t use it.

Smell: A sour or strange smell is a red flag, especially in oils, dairy, and cosmetics.

Taste: For food items, a small taste test can help if the look and smell seem fine.

Storage: Proper storage is key. Keep medicines in cool, dry, dark places; store grains and spices in airtight containers; refrigerate dairy and pickles as needed.

Visitor:

Can you give me practical examples for daily things?

Madhukar:

Certainly.

Spices: They lose aroma and flavor after a year but are safe to use for a long time if dry and clean. Store in airtight glass or metal containers, away from sunlight.

Biscuits and snacks: Crispness may reduce after the best before date, but they often remain edible for months if sealed and dry.

Oils and ghee: These can go rancid, which you can detect by smell and taste. Store in dark bottles, keep away from heat and air.

Medicines: Tablets should not be crushed or exposed to moisture. Keep them in original blister packs or bottles, away from humidity. For liquids, check color and smell.

Packaged water: Water doesn’t expire, but plastic bottles can leach chemicals over time, especially if exposed to heat. Use within a few months and avoid storing in the sun.

Visitor:

What about things like cosmetics and creams?

Madhukar:

Cosmetics are more about quality than safety. After expiry, creams may separate or lose their effectiveness. If smell or texture changes, stop using. For soaps and shampoos, they rarely spoil quickly, but effectiveness may drop.

Visitor:

This is eye-opening. So, how do we protect ourselves from this expiry date scam?

Madhukar:

Awareness is key. Here’s what you can do:

Buy only what you can use before the expiry. Don’t stock up on things you won’t finish soon.

Ask sellers for fresh stock and check manufacturing dates, not just expiry.

Don’t blindly throw things away based solely on date—use your judgment.

Support local, honest shops who don’t push you to buy unnecessarily.

Store everything properly as per instructions.

Visitor:

And what about the social pressure? Like when guests come and we feel we must serve “fresh” things?

Madhukar:

That’s a cultural mindset shaped by advertisements and societal expectations. Healing begins when you learn to respect quality and safety over marketing and fear. Serving food that looks and smells good, no matter the date, is enough.

Visitor:

Madhukar ji, you make it sound so simple, yet I’ve never heard this from doctors or shops.

Madhukar:

Most people in business want you to buy more. They don’t want you to question expiry dates too deeply. But you are the guardian of your own health. Learning these simple truths helps you save money, avoid waste, and be more self-reliant.

Visitor:

Thank you, Madhukar ji. Will you teach me how to safely store food and medicines at home?

Madhukar:

Of course. Next time you come, I’ll show you practical ways to store spices, oils, medicines, and how to prepare small batches of foods that keep well naturally. It’s all about simple, traditional wisdom plus careful observation.

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Madhukar’s Practical Guide: How to Store and Use Food, Medicines & More Beyond Expiry Dates

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1. Understanding Expiry Dates

Best Before: Quality may reduce after this date, but product often remains safe. Use your senses.

Use By: Indicates safety limit. Avoid use beyond this date, especially for perishable items.

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2. Food Storage

A. Dry Goods (Spices, Grains, Pulses, Flour)

Store in airtight glass or metal containers to keep moisture and pests out.

Keep containers in a cool, dark, dry place — away from sunlight and humidity.

Use small batches to avoid long storage times.

If spices lose aroma, grind fresh if possible or replace after 1–2 years.

B. Packaged Snacks (Biscuits, Namkeen, Chips)

Keep unopened packets sealed and store in airtight containers once opened.

Avoid exposure to humidity; moisture makes them stale or soggy.

Use within 1–2 months after opening, even if “best before” allows longer.

C. Oils and Ghee

Store oils in dark glass bottles or tins; avoid clear plastic bottles exposed to sunlight.

Keep oils away from heat sources (stove, direct sun).

Smell and taste test before use; rancid oils smell sour or bitter.

Ghee stored in sealed containers lasts months at room temperature; refrigerate in hot climates.

D. Dairy Products (Milk, Yogurt, Butter)

Store dairy in refrigerator at 4°C or below.

Check smell and texture daily after opening.

Avoid using dairy past “use by” dates, but small delays are okay if stored properly and no spoilage signs.

E. Packaged Water

Water doesn’t expire, but plastic can degrade.

Store bottles in a cool, shaded place.

Avoid drinking from bottles left in sun or heat for long.

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3. Medicines

Keep medicines in their original containers or blister packs.

Store in a cool, dry, dark place, away from bathrooms or kitchens where humidity is high.

For tablets/capsules, avoid crushing or breaking them unless instructed.

Check for changes in color, smell, or texture in liquid medicines before use.

Discard medicines past “use by” date or if any unusual changes noticed.

Avoid buying medicines far from expiry; ask pharmacists for fresher stock.

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4. Cosmetics and Toiletries

Keep creams, lotions, shampoos in cool, dry places.

Observe any change in color, smell, or texture.

Once opened, use within the recommended months (often 6-12 months).

Avoid using products if they cause irritation or smell rancid.

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5. Practical Tips to Avoid Waste

Buy only what you can finish before expiry, especially for perishables and medicines.

Rotate stock: Use older items first. When buying new, place them behind older stock on shelves.

Use senses first: Sight, smell, and taste often reveal spoilage more reliably than dates alone.

Do small home preparations like grinding fresh spices or making small batches of pickles.

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6. Community Awareness

Share this knowledge with family and neighbors to reduce collective waste.

Support local sellers who provide fresh stock and avoid pushing near-expiry goods.

Question expiry dates critically but don’t ignore them entirely.

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7. When to Be Cautious

Do not consume any food with visible mold, foul smell, or slimy texture.

Avoid expired medicines that are crucial (e.g., antibiotics, heart medicines) unless you can verify safety.

Be extra cautious with infant foods, baby medicines, and products for sick or elderly.

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This guide helps you build confidence to reduce needless waste, save money, and reclaim control over what you consume — all while protecting your health.

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“Expiration”

the clock ticks on

a printed number —

a death sentence for biscuits

dry samosas cracking under fluorescent lights

in a corner shop somewhere in dusty Bangalore

where the chaiwala knows your name

but not your hunger for truth

you throw it away—

the bread that tastes the same

the oil still golden

the medicine that could’ve saved you

because a date told you to

the date —

a little god of plastic and ink

sent down by corporate priests

in shiny suits from Delhi towers

and Mumbai boardrooms

counting money

while you count months

and toss away years of food and health

with a shrug and a grocery list

because fear is easier

than wisdom

because the smell of stale masala

the crackle of dry papad

the bitter aftertaste of rancid oil

are buried under

packaging promises and legal disclaimers

where your senses sleep in silence

but the truth is folded

in the dusty corners of rural markets

where expired biscuits

are slapped with new stickers

and sold to a child

who doesn’t know the difference

between fresh and forgotten

in government hospitals

medicine boxes tossed like yesterday’s prayers

the pills that might have worked

left to rot in white rooms

while another patient waits

on a plastic chair

with eyes full of hope and pain

and you,

standing in the queue at the pharmacy,

holding a bottle that smells like nothing

wondering if the healing lies in the glass

or the expiry printed in black ink —

a lie repeated so often

you believe it’s gospel

and the chaiwala

laughs softly as he pours your tea,

the aroma richer than your trust

telling tales of expired oils

and repackaged sweets

the stories folded in smoke

and street dust

you are trapped

in a cycle of buying and throwing,

buying and throwing,

a slow dance choreographed

by marketers and lawyers,

while your pocket empties

and your kitchen fills with guilt and waste

the biscuit you crushed this morning,

still sweet, still whole,

could have fed your child

but instead—

it went to the garbage

because you believed the number,

not your senses

you have forgotten

how to smell your food,

how to taste the earth

in your spice jar,

how to trust your hands

to tell you what is good, what is rotten

this is the great theft—

the theft of your judgement,

your confidence,

your ability to say “this is fine”

and “this is not”

before a piece of paper

tells you to throw away years of tradition

and thousands of rupees

but the old women in the village

know better

their hands still steady,

their noses sharp

they stir their pickles with stories

and laughter

their spices

alive in glass jars

not ruled by printed dates

and if you listen close,

beneath the hum of neon lights,

beyond the clang of shelves,

you can hear the whisper—

the whisper of resistance,

the whisper of senses awakened,

of kitchens that trust time,

not paper,

of medicine chests guarded

by common sense,

not fear

because in the end,

the expiry date is just a number,

a symbol in a war

where your wallet loses,

and your soul waits for healing

so breathe slow,

taste deep,

and don’t let a printed lie

decide what you keep

and what you throw away

remember the smell of fresh rain on dry earth,

the sharp spice of fresh coriander,

the medicine you crushed with your own hands

and the oil warmed on the stove

that carried your mother’s prayers

this is your inheritance—

to trust,

to choose,

to heal beyond dates,

beyond fear,

beyond the silent scam

that steals your life—

one expiry at a time.

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