Why are there so many expired food products being sold in Beijing?
They can buy them cheaper from wholesalers when the expiry date is near or has passed. There is little control by the authorities, hardly surprising when you see the ratio of the food safety officers compared to the general population and business outlets etc. They only undertake high profile raids every so often, and often warn the major companies that they’re coming, that’s why it’s usually the smaller independents that get it in the neck. Edit: Sairy has a point but more recently they have ‘exp’ dates too, especially dairy products and other perishable foodstuffs. Expiry dates are the guide, so a few days late isn’t going to cause much trouble, just keep an eye on them next time. I have lived in China for 6 years and always check the dates on perishables, always take from the back of the shelf etc.
