I've seen expiration dates on gauze pads, gauze wraps, etc. Purpose? Marketing? There is no elastic in them.
That is a real good question.
I tried finding an answer on the web since I don't know either and got a lead to this thread,
http://www.techrescue.org/smforum/index.php?topic=13802.0which seems to be on an Australian Emergency Response/Rescue site.
This comment by a person called Zambuck in that thread struck a chord.
I thought it was ridiculous too until ....... a couple of weeks ago I cleaned out a first aid chest, which I was assured complied with WHS recommendations. It did too, at least so far as the quantities of bandages etc were concerned ...... but honestly I wouldn't use anything from the 'kit' on my worst enemy let alone a poor unsuspecting casualty.
Packaging was torn or the seal had given way. The stuff was full of cockroach s*^t and dirt ......... but the numbers were right.
I guess that professionals, such as the users of this forum, must unfortunately accept that not everyone shares the same attitude towards the importance of such simple things as we do.
I didn't get to be old and silly
without having been young and stupid.
Take care, stay safe
"
I still don't know an answer for certain, but it is good to know the confusion over it is world wide.