 package spark.utils
 {
 
+import  mx.core.FlexVersion;
+    
 /**
  *  The LabelUtil class is used by components to determine the correct
  *  text to display for their renderers or sub-parts. 

     * 
     *  @param item The data item. Null items return the empty string. 
     * 
     *  @param labelField The field in the data item to return.
     * 
     *  @param labelFunction A function that takes the data item 
     *  as a single parameter and returns a String. 

        if (item is String)
            return String(item);

        // special case for empty labelField
        if (labelField == "" && FlexVersion.compatibilityVersion >= FlexVersion.VERSION_4_5)
            return "";
        
        try
        {
            if (item !== null)
