What are “expiration” or “sell by” dates on food product labels?
Mandatory expiration and “sell by” date requirements exist for only a few food products. Dairy products have open dating requirements enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Food And Agriculture. Infant formula is required to bear a date that ensures full nutritional value. Other foods are not required to have an open date, but many consumers expect a date on packages. Date codes and other codes that identify when a product is made (“lot” and “batch” codes) are recommended for most foods. They help manufacturers and retailers to trace and rotate inventories properly. If there is a problem with a particular lot or code, it can be more easily removed from sale. In the event of a recall, failure to have a code on a food product forces the firm to remove all of that product from sale to protect the public.
