A great example of innovative design improving the quality and safety of our food.

By using a visual notifier instead of a written date, this label can quickly tell you the age of the meat by simply glancing at the packaging. The label changes color as it ages with the meat by reacting to the ammonia it naturally emits. As an added bonus the color change interferes with the barcode, making it impossible to scan.

The idea comes from Japanese design studio TO-GENKYO and will be featured in the Good Design Expo 2009 this month in Tokyo.