Is dating required for food products sold in the food establishments?
Except for infant formula and baby food, product dating is not required by any regulations. If a calendar date is shown on the product there must be a phrase explaining the meaning of that date such as “sell by” or “use before.” The calendar date on the product is not a safety date. The date helps the store owner/operator determine how long to display the product for sale. Open dating is found on perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Closed or coded dating is used for shelf-stable products such as cans and jars of food.
