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How Long Does Infant Formula Last?

How long does baby formula last? Baby formula lasts for 24 hours once opened. Prior to opening, check the package for a "use by" date and adhere to that date. This is because Baby Formula is a very precisely made product that contains all the nutrients that newborns need. Nutrients deteriorate with time and need to be at a certain level for proper infant development.

So, DO NOT use baby formula after the manufacturer recommended use by date.

Infant formula is the only food product mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to print a "use by" date. If formula is stored too long, it begins to separate and can clog the nipple of a baby bottle.

The shelf life of properly stored baby formula, like Enfamil or Similac, is:

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Infant Formula Expiration Date

	Unopened in Pantry	Opened in Fridge
Infant/Baby Formula Liquid lasts until	use by date	24 Hours once opened (or Manufacturer Instructions)
Infant/Baby Formula Powder lasts until	use by date	24 Hours once mixed (or Manufacturer Instructions)

How to tell if Infant Formula is bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

The smell and consistency (ingredients begin to separate) will be slightly altered, but never guess with baby formula! If baby formula is past the printed date, throw it out!!

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Infant Formula to extend its shelf life?

Keep infant formula in a cool dark place away from any temperature changes. Once opened, cover tightly and refrigerate immediately. Finish the opened formula within the time indicated on the packaging or throw it out!

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

Interesting facts about Infant Formula:

The use by date is determined after much product analysis and testing throughout the infant formula shelf life and therefore should always be adhered.

There are two products that consumers should strictly adhere to the printed date: one is baby formula and the other is adult nutrition supplements such as Ensure.

How long is Infant Formula good for when prepared in a dish?

How long does formula last? That depends. How long does cereal last? In general, formula lasts only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient it is mixed with - which is probably the formula.

What are our shelf life resources?

In determining how long Infant Formula lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Infant Formula.

*An important note about expiration dates...

Although the Infant Formula shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!