Which specific food item requires dating by federal law to ensure nutrient potency listed on the label?
Answer
Infant formula
Infant formula stands out as a significant exception to the general rule that food dates are merely quality suggestions. Federal law mandates that formula must be dated, and this specific date serves as a deadline ensuring the product still delivers the precise quantity of nutrients listed on its packaging. Therefore, for infant formula, the printed date relates directly to safety and efficacy, confirming nutritional guarantee, unlike most other grocery items.

Related Questions
What primarily drove the initial voluntary adoption of dating food products starting around the 1930s?Which specific food item requires dating by federal law to ensure nutrient potency listed on the label?Who is the primary intended audience for the 'Sell By' date label according to industry convention?What is the fundamental intent behind the majority of date labels printed on groceries sold today?Which historical figure allegedly influenced early US food dating systems as a demonstration of quality?What challenge did the expanding practice of food dating create for consumers in the late 20th century?What specific quality degradation is cited as an example for a 'Best By' date on crackers?How was food dating treated for most products immediately following its initial voluntary appearance in the mid-20th century?What is the main consequence of consumers misinterpreting printed dates as absolute safety deadlines?What final piece of advice is given to the shopper when evaluating older food items based on voluntary tradition?