A “Freeze-By” date indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality.It is not a safety requirement except for when used on infant formula A “Use-By” date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at.A “Sell-By” date tells the store how long to display the product for sale for.A “Best if Used By/Before” date indicates when a product will be of best flavor or.Under the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service there was guidance on using the following terms in labeling. In the United States the USDA, United States Department of Agriculture, regulates food product dating. Refrigerated products and staples that may be stored at home often have both dates. 3. What are best before dates and expiration (expiry) dates?Ĭonsumers are at times confused by the two different terms and marking. Each business sector may have to comply with multiple labeling regulations and agency rules. Imported products must conform to Title 19, United States Code, Chapter 4, Section 1304 and 19 CFR 134, Country of Origin Marking regulations. These contain the ( UPLR) Uniform Packaging & Labeling Regulations, and (FPLA) Fair Packaging & Labeling Act. There are regulations from (NIST) National Institute of Standards and Technology. These agencies govern more than 22 business sectors. There are twelve Federal Agencies that govern requirements for marking and coding commercial products in the United States. Who decides what has to be printed on products?