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New Standard Food Date Labels: "Best If Used By" and "Use By"

This act establishes standard date labels on food packaging to help consumers understand if a date relates to quality or safety. Companies can voluntarily include these dates, but if they do, they must use specific, easy-to-understand phrases. The goal is to reduce food waste and provide clarity for shoppers.
Key points
Creates two standard types of date labels: "BEST If Used By" (for quality) and "USE By" (for estimated end of shelf life).
Food companies decide whether and on which products to include dates, but must use the standardized phrases if they do.
The government will conduct consumer education to explain the meaning of the new date labels.
The act standardizes date labeling rules across the U.S., but states can still prohibit the sale or donation of food after the "USE By" date.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_6167
Sponsor: Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Process start date: 2021-12-07
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-04-17
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Food Date Labeling Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_6167.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-12-07.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Creates two standard types of date labels: "BEST If Used By" (for quality) and "USE By" (for estimated end of shelf life).
  • Food companies decide whether and on which products to include dates, but must use the standardized phrases if they do.
  • The government will conduct consumer education to explain the meaning of the new date labels.
  • The act standardizes date labeling rules across the U.S., but states can still prohibit the sale or donation of food after the "USE By" date.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Health Agriculture