Core Viewpoint - The recent release of 50 national food safety standards and 9 amendments by the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation introduces new standards for "expiration date" and "consumption storage period," impacting consumer behavior and food safety awareness [1][6]. Group 1: Understanding Expiration Dates - Expiration dates serve to inform both sellers and consumers about potential quality degradation and safety risks after the specified period [3]. - Most pre-packaged foods are required to display expiration dates, which are determined by manufacturers based on quality testing and industry practices [3]. Group 2: New Standards and Changes - The new standards include the adjustment of the term "expiration date" to "expiration date" for clearer consumer understanding [6]. - The format for marking expiration dates has been standardized to a clear year-month-day sequence, enhancing information visibility [7]. - The new standards encourage the indication of a "consumption storage period," allowing consumers to safely consume products beyond the expiration date if stored correctly [7]. Group 3: Common Misconceptions about Expiration Dates - Not all foods require an expiration date; some items like alcohol, salt, and sugar can be stored indefinitely due to their natural preservative properties [8][10]. - The length of an expiration date does not necessarily correlate with the amount of preservatives; it is influenced by the food's characteristics and storage conditions [10]. - Many manufacturers set expiration dates with a safety margin, meaning that products may still be safe to consume after the date if there are no signs of spoilage [13]. - Safety is not guaranteed simply by being within the expiration date; proper storage conditions must also be observed to prevent premature spoilage [14][15].

Core Viewpoint The newly released "National Food Safety Standard for Prepackaged Food Labeling" (GB 7718-2025) introduces comprehensive updates to food labeling requirements, including mandatory allergen information and the promotion of digital labels, with a two-year transition period for implementation [1][11]. Group 1: Labeling Requirements - The new standard mandates the labeling of eight major allergenic substances on food packaging, enhancing consumer safety [5][6]. - Prepackaged foods are now required to display the "expiration date" clearly, and products with a shelf life of over six months are not required to show the production date [2][3]. - The use of terms like "no additives" or "zero additives" is prohibited to prevent misleading claims about food ingredients [7][8]. Group 2: Consumer Guidance - The standard allows companies to voluntarily indicate a "consumption preservation period" to help consumers understand the usability of products beyond the expiration date [3][4]. - Consumers are encouraged to store food according to the specified conditions on the label to maintain safety and quality [4]. - Understanding the ingredient list and nutritional information is crucial for consumers to make informed choices about food products [9][10]. Group 3: Digital Labeling - The introduction of digital labels, which can be accessed via QR codes, aims to enhance consumer experience by providing more detailed product information [11][12]. - Digital labels are not mandatory but are encouraged to improve accessibility and interaction between consumers and food producers [12][13]. - The implementation of digital labeling marks a significant step towards the digital transformation of food labeling in the industry [13].