You can still use the product after the date passes once you get it home.
If manufacturers choose to use dates, they must indicate the month, the day and a phrase explaining the date: Take an extra second or two when taking foods off the shelves at the store so you can bring home the item with the longest use-by or best-by date available.įederal law doesn't require manufacturers or stores to use opening dating, except for infant formula, but some states have their own requirements. Use both the date itself and the phrase in front of the date, such as 'use by' or 'best by' to make your decision on which milk carton or cookie package to choose. For consumers, the date indicates freshness or quality. Store employees use 'open dating,' the calendar date on food packages, to decide when to pull an item from the shelf. Keebler Animal Crackers Expiration Date.
