In the "listen-up" category, everything we know about "sell-by" and "use-by" dates for foods adults consume you can basically toss out the window when it comes to infant formula and baby food.  Infant formula and baby food fall in a completely different category.  The Food and Drug Administration website, www.FoodSafety.gov provides further details.  Here is some basic information:

Dates on Formula and Baby Food
"Federal regulations require a "use-by" date on the product label of infant formula and the varieties of baby food under FDA inspection. If consumed by that date, the formula or food must contain not less than the quantity of each nutrient as described on the label. Formula must maintain an acceptable quality to pass through an ordinary bottle nipple. If stored too long, formula can separate and clog the nipple."

"Dating of baby food is for quality as well as for nutrient retention. Just as you might not want to eat stale potato chips, you wouldn't want to feed your baby meat or other foods that have an off flavor or texture."

"The "use-by" date is selected by the manufacturer, packer, or distributor of the product on the basis of product analysis throughout its shelf life; tests; or other information. It is also based on the conditions of handling, storage, preparation, and use printed on the label. Do not buy or use baby formula or baby food after its 'use-by' date."

Preventing Foodborne Illness

Another food preparation rule we always need to keep in mind when preparing formula or baby foods for consumption by infants and toddlers is that cleanliness in the kitchen and safe food handling can prevent foodborne illness.  Just as washing our hands is important in preventing the spread of colds and flu--it's also extremely important in preparing and handling food for our family, especially for our children. 

Mishandled food can lead to foodborne illness, it's just that simple.  The Partnership for Food Safety Education developed the "FightBac"® campaign which advised 4 simple ways to help eliminate the possibility of bacteria getting into food. In the kitchen, make sure you:

·        Clean: Wash hands with warm, soapy water and wash surfaces often;

·        Separate:  Don't cross-contaminate!  Keep meat, fish, and poultry away from other food.  Utensils that have touched them should be washed immediately.

·        Cook: Heat food to proper safe, minimum, internal temperatures.

·        Chill: Refrigerate food promptly.

Making sure hands are clean before we handle our children's foods sounds like a fairly simple matter, until we list all the ways we can contaminate food.  Always wash hands before handling food; after handling food; after using the bathroom; after changing a diaper; after tending to a sick child; after blowing nose, coughing or sneezing; and after handling pets. In addition to making sure that when we handle food, our hands are clean, everything that touches food must be clean.  If you use a thermometer to test the temperature of baby's food or milk, it must be washed and dried after using, each and every time.  Using a dishwasher helps to sterilize dishes, bottles, containers, and utensils.                                                     ##