FDA Pushes Clearer Food Labels to Combat Waste
Food expiration dates on products often confuse U.S. consumers. This misunderstanding leads to significant food waste each year. Federal agencies are now working to simplify these labels. Their goal is to reduce the vast amount of edible food thrown away annually. This effort could save families money and benefit the environment.
The Problem with Confusing Labels
Many different terms appear on food packaging. These include phrases like “best by,” “use by,” and “sell by” dates. Each term can have a distinct meaning. For example, “sell by” dates primarily guide retailers. They indicate when a product should be removed from shelves. They do not directly inform consumers about food safety. “Best by” typically refers to a product’s peak quality or flavor. It does not mean the food is unsafe past that date. Conversely, “use by” might suggest a final safety cutoff, especially for perishable items.
This ambiguity causes widespread confusion among shoppers. They often discard perfectly safe and wholesome food. This happens because they worry about potential health risks. Such behavior contributes to an estimated 38% of all food in the U.S. going unsold or uneaten. This amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars lost. It also puts a strain on household budgets, especially with rising inflation.
Federal Agencies Drive Standardization
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is leading this important initiative. The FDA strongly recommends using a single, clear phrase for quality dates. That recommended phrase is: “Best If Used By.” This phrase indicates when a food product is at its best quality and flavor. Crucially, it does not signify when the food becomes unsafe to eat. This new guidance applies to a wide range of foods. These foods are generally not federally regulated for safety dates.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) already promotes this standard. The USDA oversees specific categories, including meat, poultry, and eggs. For these items, “Best If Used By” is its long-preferred label. This consistent approach across major federal agencies aims to minimize consumer confusion. It also provides a clear and unified directive for food manufacturers across the industry.
Industry Adoption and Consumer Impact
Many prominent food manufacturers are actively adopting these clearer labels. They recognize the significant benefits of standardization. Moving towards a unified “Best If Used By” label offers greater clarity to consumers. It helps build trust and reduces uncertainty during grocery shopping. This shift means consumers can better understand food longevity. They can make more informed decisions about when to consume or discard food. This reduces unnecessary waste in their homes.
It is important to note that only infant formula has federally mandated “use by” dates. These dates are critical for ensuring both the safety and nutritional value for infants. For most other foods, however, manufacturers set dates voluntarily. This voluntary system has historically led to the current varied and often confusing landscape of food dating. A unified national approach is expected to help American consumers save money. It will also significantly reduce food waste from homes, grocery stores, and restaurants. Ultimately, this initiative benefits both individual finances and the planet’s sustainability efforts.
Source: apnews.com
