9 replies to this topic

[DeadPresident]

Good afternoon,

 

I would like to hear the communities thoughts, opinions, or suggestions on the following matter:

 

If you have a product that is nearing its expiration date or has already expired and you know that the product is still fine because it has been kept frozen, would it be ok to change the label and give a new pack date to reflect the shelf life extension. e.g I packed on 1/1 and product shelf life is 3 months so it expired on 4/1. If I give it a month of shelf life extension can I repackage with labels with date from 2/1?

 

thank you.

[olenazh]

Is it the product you made? If yes - you can extend shelf life as long as you want provided you have a proof that this product is still within the spec (e.g., micro, organoleptic, etc.) If it's not your product - that's different story: you should request shelf life extension from the supplier. If they don't provide - you may test the product yourself for micro and other characteristics to make sure it's still within the spec.

[DeadPresident]

Hi olenazh,

 

Yes, we produce the product, we also don't provide micro testing ( sausage maker ). But Im not really worried about micros. Product gets made and goes directly in freezer that stays well below 0 degrees and it is not RTE. My main concern is really changing the pack date because technically it's not true. 

[olenazh]

Why not? You just need a proof it's still good. But let's see what others say.

[DeadPresident]

Why not? You just need a proof it's still good. But let's see what others say.

 

Why dont we provide testing? Or why im not worried about micros? 

 

would changing labels stating a different pack date be considered food fraud?

[olenazh]

No, it wouldn't be a food fraud as you are extending shelf life of YOUR product, basing on testing results (organoleptics?). RE: "why not" - I meant, "why not to change the expiry date". Shelf life is not standardized characteristic and can be changed.

[DeadPresident]

No, it wouldn't be a food fraud as you are extending shelf life of YOUR product, basing on testing results (organoleptics?). RE: "why not" - I meant, "why not to change the expiry date". Shelf life is not standardized characteristic and can be changed.

Yes, organoleptic testing only. I cook the product to make sure quality is still there as well.

 

That was my worry, that it could be seen as food fraud because of change of the change of the pack date.

 

thank you for the feedback.

[jfrey123]

The expiration date can be changed if you have valid evidence that the product will meet specifications through the new expiration.  The packed date should never be changed.

[G M]

Good afternoon,

 

I would like to hear the communities thoughts, opinions, or suggestions on the following matter:

 

If you have a product that is nearing its expiration date or has already expired and you know that the product is still fine because it has been kept frozen, would it be ok to change the label and give a new pack date to reflect the shelf life extension. e.g I packed on 1/1 and product shelf life is 3 months so it expired on 4/1. If I give it a month of shelf life extension can I repackage with labels with date from 2/1?

 

thank you.

 

I would also be reluctant to change the pack date.  There is nothing inaccurate about when it was packed.  I suppose the solution there is repackaging, which you could creatively interpret.

 

It might be worth considering changing the shelf life statement or format if it is an equation "pack date plus X."  You can certainly change a best by or best before date after a review of your own product.

[DeadPresident]

The expiration date can be changed if you have valid evidence that the product will meet specifications through the new expiration.  The packed date should never be changed.

 

The thing is, our labels do not show an expiration date. It only prints a pack date and from that day we tell the customer it is good for X amount of days... I like your repackaging idea.