Which statement is true about shelf-stable product dating?

Which statement is true about shelf-stable product dating?

• A. All shelf-stable products must include a sell-by date
• B. All shelf-stable products must include both a sell-by and use-by date
• C. Product dating is encouraged but never required for shelf-stable foods
• D. Product dating is only required for infant formula

Answer: (D)

Product dating on shelf-stable foods is not mandated across the board. In the United States, federal regulations do not require a date on most shelf-stable items; dates are typically provided by manufacturers to indicate quality and help with inventory, not to ensure safety. The one exception is infant formula, which has strict labeling rules and must include a date to guide safe use and quality. Because shelf-stable foods can remain safe to eat after a dated period if stored properly and without spoilage, the dating requirement applies specifically to infant formula and not to other shelf-stable products. This is why the statement that product dating is only required for infant formula is the accurate one.

Product dating on shelf-stable foods is not mandated across the board. In the United States, federal regulations do not require a date on most shelf-stable items; dates are typically provided by manufacturers to indicate quality and help with inventory, not to ensure safety. The one exception is infant formula, which has strict labeling rules and must include a date to guide safe use and quality. Because shelf-stable foods can remain safe to eat after a dated period if stored properly and without spoilage, the dating requirement applies specifically to infant formula and not to other shelf-stable products. This is why the statement that product dating is only required for infant formula is the accurate one.