As a food safety expert with a background in regulatory compliance and public health, I have often been asked about the legal requirements surrounding expiration dates on food products. It's a common misconception that all food items are legally bound to adhere to the expiration dates printed on their packaging. However, the reality is more nuanced and depends on the type of food and the jurisdiction in question.

Expiration Dates and Legal Requirements:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a critical role in overseeing food safety in the United States. The FDA's regulations are designed to ensure that the food supply is safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. When it comes to expiration dates, the FDA's stance is often misunderstood. It's important to clarify that, with the exception of infant formula, the laws enforced by the FDA do not prohibit the sale of food past its labeled expiration date. This means that the presence of an expiration date on a food product is not a legal mandate but rather a guideline provided by the manufacturer.

**"Best By," "Use By," and "Sell By" Dates:**
Food manufacturers often include dates such as "Best If Used By," "Use By," or "Sell By" on their products. These dates are not mandated by law but are used to indicate the quality of the product at the time of purchase. The terms can be confusing, so here's a brief explanation:

- "Best If Used By" or "Best Before" dates are more about quality than safety. They suggest that the food will be at its peak in terms of taste and texture if consumed by that date.
- "Use By" dates are a little more serious. They indicate the last date a food item is expected to be at its highest quality. After this date, the food may begin to deteriorate in quality, but it may still be safe to eat if stored properly.
- "Sell By" dates are intended for retailers and are used to manage stock rotation. It's the manufacturer's recommendation for how long the product should be displayed for sale at its freshest.

Safety and Quality Concerns:
While the FDA does not require expiration dates on most food products, it's important to note that food safety is still paramount. Consumers should be aware that the quality of food can deteriorate over time, even if it doesn't pose an immediate health risk. Spoilage can lead to a decline in nutritional value and palatability. However, some foods can become dangerous if they are contaminated or have been stored improperly, regardless of the printed date.

State Laws and Variability:
It's also worth mentioning that individual states within the U.S. may have their own laws and regulations regarding food dating. Some states might have more stringent rules or additional requirements that go beyond federal guidelines. Therefore, it's always a good idea to be aware of local regulations when dealing with food sales and distribution.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, expiration dates on food products are not universally required by law, except for infant formula. They are more of a quality assurance measure provided by manufacturers to guide consumers and retailers. However, food safety should always be a priority, and consumers should use their judgment in conjunction with the provided dates, their knowledge of how the food has been stored, and any signs of spoilage.

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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.read more >>