Now In Korea
Can You Eat 500-Day-Old Frozen Dumplings? The Truth About Food 'Consumption Dates'
Creatrip Team
a month ago
South Korea has shifted from 'sell-by' dates to 'consumption dates' that indicate how long food is safely edible. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety tested 1,450 items across 179 food types to establish scientifically validated shelf lives. Results: snacks 122–496 days, chocolate 121–294 days, kimchi 31–106 days, tofu 22–28 days (refrigerated), and oils like sesame and soybean oil safe for 11–32 months when sealed and kept from light. Soy sauces lasted up to about 996 days due to high salt and low pH. Fresh meats vary: raw meat’s safe period was about 48 days, processed hams/sausages 50–90 days. Condiments average 11 months. Frozen dumplings and ready-to-cook sets remained safe for around 500 days at −18°C or colder, but refreezing after thawing is risky because it encourages bacterial growth; thawed frozen foods should be cooked immediately. The USDA notes that continuous freezing at −18°C preserves microbial safety almost indefinitely but quality declines over time; recommended freezer storage varies by food (e.g., meats up to 12 months, many vegetables 8–12 months after blanching). Korea wastes over 30% of food due to expired dates; authorities expect the new labeling and better cold-chain habits could cut food waste by about 20%.
Like the information?