Food labeling

Labels are designed to give you important information about food.

Shaw's requires the use of "Open Dating" (use of a calendar date as opposed to a code) on all Shaw's Brand food products. This date is stamped on a product's package to help the store determine how long to display the product for sale. It can also help you to know the time limit to purchase or use the product at its best quality. It is not a safety date.

"Closed" or "coded" dating might appear on other brands of shelf-stable products such as cans and boxes of food.

Understanding the different types of dates:

• A "Sell-By" date tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.
• A "Best if Used By (or Before)" date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
• A "Use-By" date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
• "Closed or coded dates" are packing numbers for use by the manufacturer.

Where required, Shaw's labels also include information about foods that need to be handled with special care. Raw meat, poultry and eggs are labeled with food handling guidelines that can prevent contamination.

Consumer advisories are posted for sushi and shellfish i.e. oysters etc regarding the risks associated with eating these items raw.