What is the rule for expiration dates upon receiving?

• A. Ignore expiration dates
• B. Use-by date is not required
• C. Foods should be within the use-by date marked from the manufacture
• D. Expiration dates apply only to dairy

Answer: (C)

At receiving, you verify that foods are still within the date stamped by the manufacturer and reject anything past that use-by date. The use-by date shows the last day the item is considered safe and of good quality, so you should not accept or keep products once that date has passed. This rule applies to many foods beyond dairy, and while not every product carries a date, when a date exists you must honor it. So the correct practice is to ensure items are within the use-by date marked by the manufacturer.