Which food items must be held at the maximum expiration date indicated on the label?

The choice that identifies food items that must be held at the maximum expiration date indicated on the label is commercially processed food in unopened containers. These items are often subject to strict regulatory standards and have been designed to stay safe and maintain quality until the expiration date specified by the manufacturer.

This expiration date reflects the time frame in which the food is guaranteed to be safe and of optimal quality, provided the product is stored according to the manufacturer's instructions. When unopened, these products typically remain stable and do not pose a food safety risk until that date has passed, assuming they have been stored properly and the packaging remains intact.

In contrast, freshly prepared salads may have a shorter shelf life due to their perishable ingredients, while non-perishable snacks usually have a much longer shelf life and may not be bound to a strict expiration date, but rather a best by date. Raw meats and seafood must also be managed meticulously, focusing on use-by dates for safety, but they do not typically come in unopened commercial containers like other items mentioned.