No regulation exists to stop stores from selling outdated items

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — You may want to double check the date on food and drinks at the store, if you don't already.

An Action News Jax investigation found local stores selling outdated items — some as old as 2017.

Since then, several viewers contacted the station to report similar problems at different stores.

Action News Jax uncovered despite inspections, it's buyer beware.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) said there are no federal or state requirements to stop stores from selling outdated food, except infant formula and milk.

Really, it's up to you to make sure the item is still good before you buy it.

Right now, the FDACS only does risk-based inspections.

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Of the roughly 45,000 food establishments under its purview, FDACS said it inspects facilities that are of a higher risk more often than those that are of a lower risk, based on their food processes.

A spokesperson said Commissioner Nikki Fried requested funding for the coming legislative session for 134 additional inspectors, in an effort to return inspections to an annual basis, after they were shifted to risk-based by the previous administration.

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Cox Media Group