Expiry date, food safety

This has reference to Frank Cabanatan’s letter titled “‘Advanced’ expiration dates” (Opinion, 5/5/14).

Please be informed that the shelf life, or expiration date, of processed food products is based on the recommended maximum time for which products can be stored. During this time, the defined quality remains acceptable under expected or specified conditions of distribution, storage and display. Expiry dates are used as guidelines based on normal and expected handling and exposure to temperature.

But reliance on expiry date is not an absolute guarantee of safety. Heat, moisture, pressure and other external factors may affect the integrity of the packaging of goods in transit or storage. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Advisory No. 2013-027, re: Consumer Tips on Buying Canned Goods in Groceries and Supermarkets, to inform and educate the consumers on how to tell if canned goods are safe to eat or not.

Although the specific rules and regulations on donation of food are covered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health issued Administrative Order No. 54-A, s. 2003 re: Guidelines on the Processing and Clearance of Importations through Donations by the Department of Health. One of the core principles contained in the order is that all donations should be given with full respect for the wishes and authority of the recipient, and should adhere to existing government health policies and administrative arrangements. Expired, spoiled or deteriorated products are not acceptable for donation. It is the responsibility of food donors and donees to check out the acceptability of donated products, including the responsibility of repacking or relabelling the products at the point of consumption or for immediate consumption.

All consumers may e-mail their complaints or inquiries regarding donated food products to

report@fda.gov.ph. Rest assured that the FDA is exerting all means so that all products under its mandate are safe and of good quality.

—KENNETH Y. HARTIGAN-GO, MD,

acting director general,

Food and Drug Administration