Health Dept. policy change prompted by consumer complaints

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Health has issued a strong and clear warning to businesses: as of now, there will no longer be a "30-day extension" granted for the sale of items that have passed their expiration dates in stores.

This significant policy change was officially confirmed in a public notice released by the Director of Health, Dr. Saipale Fuimaono. The notice highlights the need for strict adherence to health regulations concerning food safety.

According to the relevant public health notice, which falls under the 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.

This decisive action was prompted by a significant surge in consumer complaints relating to the accuracy and reliability of product labeling. 

In response, Dr. Fuimaono emphasized the importance of consumer safety, stating, given the substantial number of reports we have received from the public regarding the terms ‘best by,’ ‘best before,’ ‘use by,’ and other similar labels, we are compelled to implement this new policy without delay. 

He said the Department will no longer tolerate a 30-day grace period for products that have surpassed their expiration dates. Numerous accounts have indicated that these items are not merely past their prime but have become stale and unsuitable for consumption, posing potential health risks to consumers.

 This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that all products meet stringent safety and quality standards for the benefit of everyone. 

The notice serves as an important reminder for businesses to take responsibility for monitoring and ensuring that all products sold to customers are within their designated expiration dates. Businesses must regularly check their inventory to avoid selling expired goods, as this can impact customer safety, satisfaction, and the overall reputation of the establishment.

Furthermore, the Director underscored the critical importance of adhering to these regulations, articulating that failure to comply could result in severe consequences. These repercussions may include potential legal action against non-compliant entities, as well as the issuance of citations that could tarnish the reputation of offending businesses.

“By ensuring rigorous compliance, we strive to guarantee that consumers receive products of the highest quality, thereby fostering trust in the food supply and protecting the well-being of the community,” the public notice said.