Nutrition Hotline

QUESTION: "I've been trying to save money by buying food at a store that sells products with expired 'sell by' dates. Is this safe?" N. E. C., MA ANSWER: Interestingly, federal law does not require most food companies to include dates that indicate by when the food should be sold or eaten on the package. However, many companies do this so that the purchaser can be relatively certain that the food is fresh. Products that must display dates include some baby foods and infant formulas. These products should not be used after their expiration dates.