Explain how dates that appear on packages of food relate to food safety.
Food labels and packaging are excellent sources of information about
food and guides for food safety. The primary source of food safety
information is the shelf-life of the package, which can be presented in
many different ways. Examples include:
-
The "sell by" date -- this is the last day the product can be sold. It
allows time for the product to be stored and used at home.
-
The use by or "best if used by" date -- this is the freshness date;
product may be safe after this date but will probably not be at peak
quality.
-
The "do not use after" or expiration date -- this is the last date the
product should be used.
Other food safety information that can also be found on the label
includes:
-
If the food is graded or inspected. Eggs and fresh meat have a grade
shield or inspection mark on the package to signify their safety and
quality.
-
How the food should be stored or prepared.
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The lot number of the package. Manufacturers place batch
identification numbers on food packages. If there is a problem with a
batch of food, news reports will advise people to return products with
a certain number.
One will also find the following on a food package:
-
The quantity of the contents by weight or volume or count.
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The ingredients, listed in decreasing order. In other words, the
ingredient present in the greatest amount is listed first.
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The form of the food, such as sliced, whole, or chunk.
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The nutritive value of the food.
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Anti-tampering devices. These will reveal whether the container's
original closing has been broken. It could be a plastic seal around
the outside of a container or a safety button on the lid of a jar. If
the seal is broken or the button is up, don't buy and don't use the
product.
-
The name and address of the manufacturer or packer of the food.
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