"Expiry date" refers to the specific date or time when something, such as perishable goods, a document, contract, or subscription, reaches the end of its validity or usefulness. Also known as expiration date, it is commonly printed or indicated on packaging, labels, or documentation as a reference for consumers, businesses, or individuals to determine until when a particular item or service is considered safe, effective, or legally binding.
When applied to consumable products, the expiry date indicates the maximum period during which the item is deemed fresh, safe, and suitable for consumption, particularly for food and beverages. After this date, the manufacturer or regulatory authorities consider the product potentially unsafe or of lower quality due to deteriorating factors such as bacterial growth, degradation, or loss of nutritional value. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid consuming goods past their expiry dates.
The term is also applicable in various other contexts. For instance, in the financial sector, an expiry date refers to the termination date of an option or a contract, after which the right or obligation ceases to exist. Similarly, for legal or official documentation, an expiry date signifies the date when a license, certificate, visa, or passport formally becomes invalid.
Overall, an expiry date serves as a critical reference point to ensure safety, quality, adherence to legal requirements, or contractual obligations, and serves as a basis for making informed decisions regarding the continued use or disposal of various items or services.
