how to read Expiration dates?

so how do u read expiration dates of over-the-counter medication products like 01/11...jan 2011 or nov 2001?

It's always day/month/year here ... or month/year when they don't necessarily specify a day ...

... or month/year when they don't necessarily specify a day ...daqua_99

[QUOTE="daqua_99"] ... or month/year when they don't necessarily specify a day ...BiancaDK

I read them from left to right. o_o

usually

mm/dd/yyyy.

sell by "

use by "

All I know is that my key card has the expiry date as month/year, so I assumed that other products were the same ...daqua_99

[QUOTE="daqua_99"] ... or month/year when they don't necessarily specify a day ...BiancaDK

01/11 is likely Jan 2011.

In the end, it shouldn't really matter. Drugs continue to be effective WELL after those silly expiry dates.Jandurin

Note to the mods. This is a joke. I am actually not insulting Jandurin, nor do I consider him a fool despite the fact that I have continuously invaded his world and killed him multiple times.

[QUOTE="Jandurin"]In the end, it shouldn't really matter. Drugs continue to be effective WELL after those silly expiry dates.sonicare

Note to the mods. This is a joke. I am actually not insulting Jandurin, nor do I consider him a fool despite the fact that I have continuously invaded his world and killed him multiple times.

sonicare

This is how it should be. Year/Month/Day. From biggest to smallest. Mixing it up makes no sense, but some countries like to do it anyway. So December 12th 2009 should be written: 20091212 or 091212.

basically there's 3 types of expiration dates

1. safe date, used for stuff like milk, eggs, or anything that will spoil. Most of the time you can tell it's expired w/out looking for a date.

2. aesthetic date, used for things like cereals, snacks, and similar goods. Mostly just to ensure product quality, but eating won't likely harm you, but it's not likely to taste right.

3. potency date, used for drugs, medicines, and vitamins. Mostly just ensure that the drug is of the right potency. Most drugs tend to become less effective after being stored for a long time. Very few drugs spoil, but it can be tricky to figure out proper dosage. It's best to keep w/in the max recommended dosage, but don't expect it to work as well. Taking 2 expired aspirin won't harm you.