Service Description: There are many regulations that control the receipt, handling, processing, storage and distribution of foods to ensure that it is wholesome and fit. The regulations and Food Safety Act 1990 also apply to drink. It is qualified environmental health staff who ensure that food businesses comply with these regulations.
Answer: It is against the law to display or sell food that has gone beyond its ''use-by'' date. This is because ''use-by'' dates are placed on highly perishable foods, such as cooked meat, which could cause food poisoning if consumed after the date code has expired. Less perishable items, such as frozen food, cakes, cereals and canned food carry a ''best before'' date. This code indicates when food is in its best condition. It is not an offence to sell food beyond its ''best before'' date. However, it is against the law to sell food that has deteriorated to the extent that it has become unfit to eat, and this can occur with products that have gone beyond their ''best before'' date.