Why don't vacuum packed coffee have expiry dates?

Steamed

Was in Woolies earlier this evening and walked past a big display of Vittoria coffee. Having a look at the different blends etc, I noticed that the bags of beans all had a "best before" date (fair enough) but the vacuum packed pre-ground coffee bricks didn't. ??? Can someone please satisfy my curiousity and tell me why?

john_2

Steamed Sometimes I have seen the dates hidden under the flaps or lightly stamped in an obscure place. I visited a new market in Bondi Junction over the weekend and found packets of beans and ground coffee with use by dates 10-12 months down the track. It was interesting to read the label that said "100% Coffee Beans". I wonder what else they put in the packets. Out of curiosity what were you doing hanging about the Woolies packaged coffee section???? JD

Mr._barista

feeling sorry for those who know no better......?

Steamed

Out of curiosity what were you doing hanging about the Woolies packaged coffee section???? JD

The beans/ground coffee display was actually in the middle of the fresh produce section, right between the bread and the oranges. Depending on how you want to look at it, it was either a clever piece of product placement or someone's attempted irony by placing packaged coffee in the fresh produce section. Also, *passing the buck here* I had my nine month old baby with me and you know how kids love packaging! ;D BTW, I did check under the flap (both ends I might add) but had no luck.

FreshCoffee2

And to answer your question... This may have changed but if memory serves correct it used to be that if a product lasted more than 2 years in the package, it did not require a "use by" date. 2 year old vacuum sealed coffee is not "off" just stale, will not poison you, can be used to brew coffee and therefore, it does not strictly require a use by date. FC.