Question & AnswerQ&A (BFAD FDA REGULATION NO. 001-B s. 1982)
The guidelines apply to the open-date marking of Loaf Bread and Buns which are pre-packaged and offered for sale in supermarkets, grocery stores, or any other outlet other than the bakery/bakery products establishment where the bread is produced.
Bread is defined as the product made by baking a dough which consists of leavened or unleavened mixture of ground grain or other edible farinaceous substances and water with or without additives.
Loaf Bread refers to bread that is baked in a rectangular pan with or without cover, and is primarily used for preparing toasts or sandwiches.
The guidelines cover Buns that are normally known as hamburger buns and hot dog buns, whether sweet or plain small bread.
All products covered by these guidelines shall prominently and clearly indicate their 'Consume before' date, which should be three (3) days after the date of manufacture.
Full compliance to the open-date marking regulation took effect on November 1, 1982.
These guidelines do not apply to bakery/bakery product establishments where the bread is produced but only to outlets like supermarkets, grocery stores, or other selling points away from the bakery.
The guidelines were originally adopted on September 2, 1982, by Catalina C. Sanchez, Acting Administrator, and J.C. Azurin, Minister of Health.
The 'Consume before' date ensures that consumers are informed about the freshness and safety of pre-packaged bakery products, helping to prevent the sale and consumption of stale or potentially unsafe bread and buns.