New Food Labeling Rules: Quality and Discard Dates
This act establishes uniform rules for voluntarily placing quality and discard dates on food labels. This aims to help citizens better understand when a product is best to consume and when it should be discarded, potentially reducing food waste and improving safety. Food companies will have the discretion to decide whether and which dates to include, but if they do, they must adhere to the new, standardized labels.
Key points
Introduction of two types of dates on labels: "BEST If Used By" (quality date) and "USE By" (discard date).
Standardization of phrases for these dates to make them easier for consumers to understand.
Food companies voluntarily decide whether to include dates, but must follow new standards if they do.
Prohibition for states and local governments from imposing different or additional labeling requirements for these dates.
Requirement for consumer education on the meaning of the new date labels.
Regulations do not apply to infant formula and do not prohibit sale of food after a quality date, but may prohibit after a discard date.
Expired
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