Supermarket customers baffled by ancient best before date
A UK supermarket has left a customer confused by labelling food with an ancient use by date.
Matthew Stock visited his local Tesco grocery store to pick up some burger patties but when he opened the accompanying relish packet, he spotted the unusual way the British supermarket giant chose to inform customers of the best before date.
“Hello there Tesco, could you please explain this expiry date please?” Mr stock asked on Twitter.
He posted the question along with an image that showed the expiry date ‘20140’ - a calendar style that hasn’t been popular for centuries.
Tesco though it was best to clear up the confusion and clarified the date for curious condiment lovers.
@Tesco hello there Tesco, could you please explain this expiry date please 🤔🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/2CtcBsmH0W
— Matthew Stock (@mattyjstock) June 23, 2019
“The date code on the relish only is the Julian date. 20140 is the 140th day. This translated into the Gregorian calendar is the 20th May 2020,” Tesco customer service replied.
Not surprisingly, users on social media had a field day with the ancient date format, which was used in 45 BC but replaced with the more popular Gregorian format that is used today.
Some people thought the ancient date format was a sign form above.
“On the 140th day, God said 'thou shalt be done, throw away the relish,’” one user wrote.
A movie lover even hoped it would inspire a reboot of the National Treasure series.
“I expect the Hollywood film to star Nicholas Cage,” one person joked.
Although nobody seemed genuinely annoyed by the date, Tesco was quick to remind everyone the patties were on sale.
“Okay WE'RE certainly feeling the heat...If anyone else is up for a grill - you can still get 25% off our beef burgers until 19188 (or 09/07 if you’re feeling Gregorian).”
Mr Stock is holding out hope for a little more than a discount for his next burger craving though.
“Can you hook me up at my local store for some goodies or some burgers?” he asked.
Tesco have yet to respond.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
