Manufacturers provide dating to help consumers and retailers decide when food is of best quality. Except for infant formula, dates are not an indicator of the products safety and are not required by Federal law.

Are use by dates mandatory?

Use-by dates are about safety You can eat food until and on the use-by date but not after. The food could be unsafe to eat or drink, even if it has been stored correctly and looks and smells fine. A lot of foods (Opens in a new window), including meat and milk, can be frozen before the use-by date though so plan ahead.

On what products is dating required nationally?

Open dating is typically found on perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. After an open date passes, food may not be at the best quality, but products should still be safe if handled properly and stored at proper temperatures.

Do all products require an expiration date?

Yes, voluntary. The only items required by federal law to be labeled for expiration are infant formula and some baby foods; some states also mandate pulling dairy from store shelves on the expiration date.

What are the two types of product dating?

There are two types of dating that usually are displayed on a food product: Open Dating and Closed Dating. Open Dating is a calendar date that helps stores determine how long to display a product. It also helps the purchaser decide when to purchase or use the product by for best quality.

How are best before dates determined?

Theres no blanket process for setting expiration dates. Instead, food manufacturers and retailers determine these dates as they see fit. Most of the time, food is safe to eat after its expiration date, as long as it doesnt show other signs of spoiling.

What is the purpose of food product dating?

The calendar date provides consumers with information on the estimated period of time for which the product will be of best quality and to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale.

Is milk good after date?

While there are no set recommendations, most research suggests that as long as its been stored properly, unopened milk generally stays good for 5–7 days past its listed date, while opened milk lasts at least 2–3 days past this date (3, 8 , 9).

Do best by dates mean anything?

The dates solely indicate freshness, and are used by manufacturers to convey when the product is at its peak. That means the food does not expire in the sense of becoming inedible. For un-refrigerated foods, there may be no difference in taste or quality, and expired foods wont necessarily make people sick.

What 2 body parts must be cleaned before food preparation?

Wet hands with running water, (at least 1000F)Apply soap.Vigorously scrub lathered fingers, fingertips, and between fingers. And scrub hands & arms for at least 10-15 seconds.Rinse under clean running water.Dry clean hands/arms.