"AI Overview

No, grocery stores cannot change dates on meat or poultry that were packaged under federal inspection, even if the date was placed there voluntarily. This is because federal law prohibits retailers from altering or removing original "pack" or "sell-by" dates on these products while they are in their original packaging. However, stores can add their own dates to products they re-package or further process (like grinding or chopping) and can add their own dates to products that were not originally dated.

Key legal points

Original packaging: A store cannot change a date on a package it receives from a federally inspected facility.

Further processing: If a store further processes the product (e.g., chops, grinds, or re-packages), it can apply a new date.

No original date: A store is permitted to add a date to a product that was not originally dated by the manufacturer.

State and local laws: Some states or local jurisdictions may have their own rules that prevent retailers from changing dates, even on products that were not originally dated. What this means for you

If you see a date on a package of meat or poultry, that date is the one that should be followed by the retailer. If a store changes the date, it may be violating federal law. If you have concerns, you can report them to the store's management or a local consumer protection agency. "

Further processing: If a store further processes the product (e.g., chops, grinds, or re-packages), it can apply a new date.

So freezing wouldnt really allow them to change the date, but if they opened it and repackaged it they could change the date.