Standardized Food Labels: Clear Rules for Quality and Safety Dates.
This law establishes nationwide, uniform labels for dates voluntarily placed on food packaging, helping consumers clearly distinguish between food quality and food safety. If a date is used, it must use the standardized phrase: "BEST If Used By" for quality (still safe to eat) or "USE By" for safety (do not consume after this date). This standardization aims to reduce food waste by clarifying that food past its 'best by' date is often still safe.
Key points
Mandates two standard date labels: "BEST If Used By" (relates to peak quality, not safety) and "USE By" (relates to safety, do not consume after this date).
States are prohibited from banning the sale or donation of food solely because it has passed the "BEST If Used By" date, promoting food donation and reducing waste.
Federal agencies must coordinate consumer education efforts to explain the meaning of the new standardized date phrases.
The new labeling requirements will take effect two years after the law is enacted.
Expired
Citizen Poll