Do condiments and milk that have been on the serving line have to be used within three days?

Some types of food do not have to be used within three days after placement on a serving line. Commercially processed foods that are in unopened packages that have been on a serving line or that have been displayed in a refrigerated case, such as a milk box, do not have to be used within three days. The three-day rule applies to foods that were prepared in-house, such as fruit salad or lasagna, as well as to opened packages of commercially processed food, such as a 24-pack of muffins.

Commercially processed, non-potentially hazardous foods that are in unopened packages, such as a single-service packet of ketchup, do not have to be used within three days. This type of food is shelf-stable and protected from external contaminants so food quality and safety is a very minimal concern. However, these types of items must be used by the date that is stamped on the package.

Unopened cartons of milk also do not need to be used within three days. However, milk must be used by the data stamped on the carton.

If it is important to note that if the package is damaged in any way, the food cannot be salvaged -- it must be discarded. Also, if the food is potentially hazardous and it has been at unsafe temperatures it must be thrown out.