What does a "best before" date indicate?

The "best before" date is an indication of the period within which a food product is expected to retain its optimal quality in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional value. This date is not a strict deadline; rather, it serves as a guideline for consumers to ensure they are enjoying the product at its best. Food may still be safe to consume after this date, although it might not meet the optimal quality standards that the manufacturer intended. Factors such as storage conditions and the type of food can influence how long a product remains good after the "best before" date has passed.

The other options suggest more definitive conclusions about food safety and consumption. For instance, indicating that it is the exact date by which food must be consumed fails to consider the nuances of food storage and quality variations. Additionally, stating that it is the date after which food is no longer safe to eat creates a misleading perception since many products can still be safe post "best before" date. Lastly, saying that food loses all nutritional value after that date overlooks the fact that some nutrients may remain intact, even if the food's quality may deteriorate.