Food product dating usda

Does the USDA require food safety date labels?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not require quality or food safety date labels for products under its purview.

What do product dates on food mean?

Product dates found on retail and donated foods are not federally regulated and can have a variety of definitions. Food manufacturers may voluntarily provide dating to help consumers and retailers decide when food is of best quality, but these dates are not an indicator of wholesomeness or food safety.

What is the best if used by date on food?

To reduce consumer confusion and wasted food, FSIS recommends that food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating use a “Best if Used By” date. Research shows that this phrase conveys to consumers that the product will be of best quality if used by the calendar date shown.

Is product dating required by federal regulations?

Except for infant formula, product dating is not required by Federal regulations. [1] For meat, poultry, and egg products under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), dates may be voluntarily applied provided they are labeled in a manner that is truthful and not misleading and in compliance with FSIS regulations. [2]

Can dates be voluntarily applied to food labels?

For meat, poultry, and egg products under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), dates may be voluntarily applied provided they are labeled in a manner that is truthful and not misleading and in compliance with FSIS regulations. [2] To comply, a calendar date must express both the month and day of the month.

What are the options for food safety and labeling?

Options range from recalls to export information to regulations, directives and notices. option to password protect their account. Food labeling, Meat inspection. Food labeling, Poultry and poultry products. and poultry products.

Where can I find information about food labeling and nutrition labeling?

Access the latest resources on including FSIS guidance information, the Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book and Policy Memorandums, generic label approval, nutrition labeling information and other resource material regarding meat, poultry, and egg product labeling policies.

Do you have to have a use by date on food?

These products are required to bear a “Use By” date, up to which the manufacturer has confirmed that the product contains no less than a minimum amount of each nutrient identified on the product label, and that the product will be of an acceptable quality. Date labels are generally not required on packaged foods.

What is the guidance on label dating?

The guidance provides information about label dating on products regulated by FSIS, including descriptions of types of dating, whether dating is required by Federal regulations, and whether a product may be unsafe to use after a listed date.

Can dates be voluntarily applied to food labels?

For meat, poultry, and egg products under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), dates may be voluntarily applied provided they are labeled in a manner that is truthful and not misleading and in compliance with FSIS regulations. [2] To comply, a calendar date must express both the month and day of the month.

Why do manufacturers provide dates on food?

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 product’s safety and are not required by Federal law. How Do Manufacturers Determine Quality Dates?

What does open dating mean on a food product?

“Open Dating” (use of a calendar date as opposed to a code) on a food product is a date stamped on a product’s package to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale. It can also help the purchaser to know the time limit to purchase or use the product at its best quality.