PRACTICAL RECALL GUIDE
How to Read Product Date Codes During a Recall
Dates printed on products serve different purposes. A recall notice may rely on one specific date field plus a lot, UPC, model, or establishment number.
First copy the wording exactly
Write down whether the label says use by, best if used by, sell by, packed on, manufactured, or expiration. These terms are not interchangeable, and the notice may quote the exact phrase.
Look for nearby production codes
A string beside the date may be a lot or plant code rather than another date. Preserve spaces, dashes, letters, and leading zeroes. Check the crimp, lid, bottom, neck, rating plate, battery compartment, and individual wrappers.
Interpret ranges carefully
A notice may include inclusive start and end dates, multiple non-consecutive dates, or only products bearing a separate code. Do not assume that every product made in the same month is affected.
Consumer products use dates too
CPSC notices may use manufacture month, date code, or serial range instead of a food-style best-by date. Compare the model and importer as well as the date.
Unreadable codes require confirmation
If a required code is missing or damaged, use the contact information on the official notice. A visual match or purchase date alone is not a safe substitute.
How this guide should be used
This is original educational material prepared by Find a Recall. It does not determine whether an item is recalled and does not replace the current FDA, USDA FSIS, CPSC, manufacturer, or retailer notice. Use it to organize your comparison, then verify the result at the issuing source.