USDA Updates Guidance on Food Date Labeling

Updated information on food product labeling, including new guidance aimed at reducing food waste by encouraging food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating to use a "Best if Used By" date label, have been issued by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)."In an effort to reduce food loss and waste, these changes will give consumers clear and consistent information when it comes to date labeling on the food they buy," said Al Almanza, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety. "This new guidance can help consumers save money and curb the amount of wholesome food going in the trash."Except for infant formula, product dating is not required by federal regulations. Food manufacturers frequently use a variety of phrases, such as "Sell-by" and "Use-by" on product labels to describe quality dates on a voluntary basis.The use of different phrases to describe quality dates has caused consumer confusion and results in the disposal of food that is otherwise wholesome and safe because it is past the date printed on the package.FSIS is changing its guidance to recommend the use of "Best if Used By" because research shows that this phrase is easily understood by consumers as an indicator of quality, rather than safety.USDA estimates that 30 percent of food is lost or wasted at the retail and consumer level. This new guidance builds on other recent changes FSIS has made to facilitate food donation and reduce food waste.