à consommer de préférence avant le
The English phrase "best before" is translated into French as à consommer de préférence avant le.
This phrase is used to indicate a date printed on food packaging that marks when a product reaches its peak quality. It is important to note that this refers to the decline in flavor or texture rather than a safety risk. The product remains safe to eat after this date.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to to be consumed preferably before the.
Did you know?
- The word consommer has a surprising dual history. It stems from a Latin root meaning 'to sum up' or 'to finish a total', but it was later blended with a root meaning 'to devour'.
- While à consommer de préférence avant le is a quality suggestion, French law requires a different phrase, à consommer jusqu'au, for products that become dangerous after a certain date.
- In France, there is a strong cultural movement against the waste caused by these dates, leading to the 'anti-gaspi' or anti-waste movement.
Examples in context
- Il faut regarder la mention à consommer de préférence avant le.You must look at the best before mention.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are checking the dates on some groceries.
- ChloéEst-ce que ce lait est encore bon ?Is this milk still good?
- NathanOui, il est à consommer de préférence avant le 15.Yes, it is best before the 15th.
- ChloéParfait, on peut le garder encore quelques jours.Perfect, we can keep it for a few more days.
- NathanExactement, Nathan a raison.Exactly, Nathan is right.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avant, consommer, de, le, préférence, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
