FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
“BEST BEFORE” DATES
How do I read the date format?
Dates shown may include the month and year or the day, month and year.
All dates use the European format (Day Month Year: DD MM YYYY). This means that 01 04 2023 would mean April 1st, 2023, not January 4th, 2023. When only Month and Year are shown, the best by date is the END of the month shown. For example 04 2023 would mean April 30th, 2023.
The Best Before date shows next month, what does that mean?
The month and year shown on the package means the product is at its optimal quality if consumed by the end of the month shown. Because Baratti & Milano uses high quality natural ingredients, many of our products do not have an extended shelf life, like products that contain artificial preservatives. Our U.S. inventory is carefully monitored to ensure that no products are shipped with fewer than 30 days remaining before the “Best Before” end date, unless clearly stated in the product description. Products approaching the "Best Before" date may be available at greatly reduced prices.
Is Best Before date the same as expiration date?
The phrase “Best By” or “Best Before” is recognized by the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) to indicate the date when a product will be at its best flavor and quality. It is not an expiration date. “Consumers should examine foods for signs of spoilage that are past their “Best if used by” date. If the products have changed noticeably in color, consistency or texture, consumers may want to avoid eating them. If you have questions or concerns about the quality, safety and labeling of the packaged foods you buy, you are encouraged to reach out to the company that produced the product. Many packaged foods provide the company’s contact information on the package. Manufacturers apply date labels at their own discretion and for a variety of reasons. The most common is to inform consumers and retailers of the date to which they can expect the food to retain its desired quality and flavor.” - www.fda.gov
Read more about reducing food waste here.
The chocolate I received has a white residue on the surface. Is it safe to eat?
This is called “blooming” and it can happen when the chocolate is exposed to temperature fluctuations. This may happen occasionally during shipping, particularly in extreme weather, when frozen gel packs are used in summer or packages are moved outdoors in freezing temperatures, and then warm up. Everything is stored in carefully controlled conditions at our fulfillment center, but once the package is in transit, temperature changes can cause blooming. Blooming simply means that the cocoa fat begins to separate from the cocoa mass or the sugars can crystallize due to fluctuations in humidity. Both types of bloom are safe and should not significantly alter the taste of the chocolate.
"SHIPPING"
Please visit our page on shipping information by clicking here.
"WHOLESALE"
Do you offer wholesale ordering for a store?
Absolutely. From this platform, we fulfill stores, restaurants and distributors located within the United States. Click here for more information and to apply for an account.
