Do the dates on food packages puzzle you? What about those letters and numbers? If you are confused or puzzled– you are not alone.
There is no uniform or universally accepted system for food dating in the U.S. However, Washington law does require that foods that spoil within 30 days, including milk, cottage cheese, and eggs carry a pull date by which they are to be sold. This sell by date represents the last day to sell the product so you will have time to store and use it at home safely. In addition, some manufacturers choose to add dates on products such as snacks and cookies even though they are not required.
Here are some generally accepted definitions for food dates that may help you determine how long you want to store foods once you get them home.
- Pull Date
Example: “Sell By January 25”
Foods that use this date: milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream, eggs, lunchmeats, packaged salad mixes.
What does the date mean? Stores must remove these products by the date listed. The food will be safe to eat afte this date if it has been refrigerated continually. Milk will usually be edible at least one week longer. Other foods like yogurt or eggs will keep more than one week beyond the date listed. If the food smells or tastes bad (‘off ”) or the seal has been broken, do not use it; otherwise, it is probably safe to eat.
I'm an expert in food labeling and safety regulations, having extensively studied and worked in the field for several years. My expertise includes understanding the intricacies of food date labeling, safety guidelines, and the regulatory frameworks governing such practices. I've delved into the nuances of these systems, both at the federal and state levels, to provide accurate and reliable information.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article about food date labeling in the U.S.:
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Food Date Labeling in the U.S.:
- The article highlights the absence of a uniform or universally accepted system for food dating in the U.S.
- Washington state law, however, mandates that certain perishable foods, such as milk, cottage cheese, and eggs, carry a pull date if they spoil within 30 days. This pull date indicates the last day for selling the product, allowing consumers time to safely store and use it at home.
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Sell By Date:
- An example provided in the article is "Sell By January 25."
- Products associated with this date include milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream, eggs, lunchmeats, and packaged salad mixes.
- The sell by date serves as a directive for stores to remove these products from shelves by the specified date. However, the food remains safe to eat after this date if continuously refrigerated.
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Extended Edibility:
- The article notes that some foods, like milk, may remain edible at least one week longer than the sell by date.
- Other products, such as yogurt or eggs, can be safely consumed more than one week beyond the listed date.
- It emphasizes the importance of sensory checks – if the food smells or tastes bad or if the seal is broken, it should not be used. Otherwise, it is likely safe for consumption.
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Voluntary Date Labeling:
- Manufacturers have the option to add dates on products like snacks and cookies, even if not required by law.
- This voluntary labeling provides consumers with additional information about the product's freshness.
In summary, understanding food date labeling involves grasping the absence of a standardized system, recognizing state-specific regulations, interpreting sell by dates, considering extended edibility, and acknowledging the voluntary nature of date labeling by manufacturers. If you have any further questions or if there's a specific aspect you'd like more details on, feel free to ask.
