If it's just as nutritious, it doesn't have to be called an imitation but must be given a name that describes it accurately. The grades are not based on nutritional content, although the labels may give information about fat and some other ingredients. The National Marine Fisheries Service grades fish products in a similar manner. This grade is based on FDA-recommended sanitary standards for producing and processing milk products, which are regulated by the states. The grade is not based on nutritional values.
Many consumers find product dating helpful in shopping for various foods.
The dates are designed to give consumers an idea of how long a product will remain wholesome and safe. Of course, handling and storage also may affect the freshness of a food product. With very few exceptions, such dating is not regulated by the FDA, although an expiration date is required on some products. The terms most often used today with the actual dates are sell date or use by date. Pull date, indicating when the product should be pulled from the store shelf, may also be used in place of use by date.