The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a notice that all products must be removed from shelves and cannot be sold after the date of expiration or “best used by” dates.
Previously, DOH had allowed a 30-day grace period for such items to be sold.
A notice from Director of Health Dr. Saipale Fuimaono says that the department has received numerous complaints about the stale and unwholesome state of food items with best by, best before date, use by and similar dates being sold. Effective immediately, all goods must be removed and cannot be sold after the specified dates.
Under American Samoa Code Annotated (A.S.C.A.) Title 25, §26.0607—regarding food and drink expiration dates—the Director possesses the authority to condemn, prohibit the sale of, or mandate the seizure, removal, or destruction of any food or drink that has surpassed its expiration date. In addition, the Director may deem products old, stale, or otherwise unwholesome if they no longer meet acceptable standards of quality as determined by their passage of time.
DOH will no longer allow a 30-day extension for such goods to remain on shelves.
The Director said failure to comply will result in legal actions, including citations.
