What are the FDA guidelines on expired Best Buy date for chocolate?
Hello all and happy new years! Quick question, I work for a chocolate factory and I discovered a few expired bags of chocolates. I reported this with upper management and they said, it's a best buy date and chocolate doesn't really "expire." What are the FDA guidelines about an expired Best Buy date? Thank you, Michael
Also, could you provide a link with the rule if you have one. Thank you again!
Hi,
Good year ahead!
"Best if Used By/Before" date indicates when a product will be of best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
https://www.fsis.usd...-product-dating
The quality and safety of a product is based on appropriate storage conditions, if your chocolates are stored properly and microbiologically safe, you may at least consider of reprocessing with fresh batch of chocolates if it doesn't affect final quality and safety.
From previous link -
USDA
USDA estimates that 30 percent of the food supply is lost or wasted at the retail and consumer levels3. One source of food waste arises from consumers or retailers throwing away wholesome food because of confusion about the meaning of dates displayed on the label. To reduce consumer confusion and wasted food, FSIS recommends that food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating use a “Best if Used By” date. Research shows that this phrase conveys to consumers that the product will be of best quality if used by the calendar date shown. Foods not exhibiting signs of spoilage should be wholesome and may be sold, purchased, donated and consumed beyond the labeled "Best if Used By" date.
and
FDA
The FDA in the United States notes that "[a] principle of U.S. food law is that foods in U.S. commerce must be wholesome and fit for consumption". However, the agency also states:
<<< With the exception of infant formula, the laws that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) administers do not preclude the sale of food that is past the expiration date indicated on the label. FDA does not require food firms to place "expired by", "use by" or "best before" dates on food products. This information is entirely at the discretion of the manufacturer.>>>
https://en.wikipedia...Expiration_date
^^^(red) - License(s) to ??
Just out of curiosity - Would anyone (knowingly) buy such items at the same price as "compliant" merchandise ?
PS - Note that (according to Wikipedia) "Sell by Date" labelling may have more consequences if out-of-date items are being sold.