Experts provide a guide to the variety of confusing 'freshness' dates on food.

Last year Pepsi began selling its diet sodas with freshness dates.

In some regions, a best before, use by or freshness date is required on packaged perishable foods.

Scudder also began putting dates on the bags, becoming the first company to freshness date their food products.

If it gets past its freshness date, you have a problem".

In some countries, a best before, use by or freshness date must be put on packaged foods.

This can change the beer's freshness date.

But let's face it: The freshness date of the frock - and matching meat boots - have long since passed.

It does not mean, however, that the product cannot be safely consumed beyond "quality assurance" or "freshness" date.

Look for a freshness date on the package or container.