Cathode current of 70 µA is the minimum required to keep the shunt regulating; below that the output drops out of spec. The 12 mA output capability means this one reference can bias multiple ADC reference inputs or a string of comparator dividers — but the total load plus the set resistor current must stay under 12 mA or the output sags. The 8-CLCC ceramic package is a hermetic cavity — no plastic moisture absorption, no popcorn cracking during reflow.
Listed as Active on the lifecycle record with ROHS3 compliance — no last-time-buy risk, no end-of-life clock ticking.