Did you know that a store can sell food past the expiration date?
With the exception of infant formula, the laws that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) administers do not preclude the sale of food that is past the expiration date indicated on the label. FDA does not require food firms to place "expired by", "use by" or "best before" dates on food products. This information is entirely at the discretion of the manufacturer.
A principle of U.S. food law is that foods in U.S. commerce must be wholesome and fit for consumption. A "best by", "use by" or expiration date does not relieve a firm from this obligation. A product that is dangerous to consumers would be subject to potential action by FDA to remove it from commerce regardless of any date printed on a label.
- When previously recalled products are back on the shelves, how can I be sure that it is okay to buy them?
- What do consumers need to know about the recall of shell eggs?
- FDA Basics Webinar: Food Emergency Response Network (FERN)
- FDA Basics Webinar - Using a Food Label to Make Smart Food Choices
- What is the meaning of 'natural' on the label of food?
- How does FDA recommend washing fruits and vegetables?
- How long can I keep my food in the refrigerator/on the shelf?
- How do the activities of USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service differ from the activities of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition?
- Has Stevia been approved by FDA to be used as a sweetener?
- How do I report a complaint about food bought in a supermarket?
- How do I report a complaint about restaurant food?
- How long can food that is supposed to be refrigerated stay outside of the refrigerator and still be safe to eat?
- What are the different types of fat that a food can contain? How are they different?
- What refined Stevia preparations have been evaluated by FDA to be used as a sweetener?
- What Rules Apply to Persons that Want to Start a Food Business?
- Who makes sure the food I buy at the grocery store is safe to eat?
- Which foods should I stay away from during pregnancy?
- What should I do if I have a serious reaction (side effect) to a dietary supplement?
- What is the Reportable Food Registry?
- If a food is labeled "organic" according to the USDA, is it still subject to the laws and regulations enforced by FDA?
- Is Stevia an 'FDA approved' sweetener?
- Why isn't the amount of caffeine a product contains required on a food label?
- How often does FDA inspect food manufacturing facilities?
- Does FDA have any other food safety materials?
- Does FDA inspect grocery stores, restaurants, or dollar stores?