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About The Law
Most Dates Are VoluntaryWith
exception of certain poultry, baby food products and formulas most all
other food product expiration dates are not required by federal law but
are voluntarily provided by food manufacturers. This does vary from
state to state and many states legislate sell-by dates for perishable
foods. According to several sources including the USDA there are 20
states that require some mandatory labeling for dairy products. So far
we know that Arizona, California, Ohio, and New York have some labeling
laws. (Read about
California's
milk labeling law)
Dates Are GuidelinesOn the
most part dates are provided as guidelines for both product sellers and
the buying public. Most dates are NOT expiration dates; you are not
going to get sick because you eat something past its "best by" date.
Some dates have become marketing devices for product manufactures. A
good example of this are dates that are appearing on soft drinks. There
really is not much to expire with a beverage made of water, sugar, and
artificial coloring. This is one of those cases where the manufacturer
appears to just be encouraging you to throw it out and buy more.