USDA and FDA Seek Input on Food Date Labeling to Reduce Waste and Enhance Safety
Share:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a joint request for information (RFI) to gather stakeholder feedback on food date labeling practices. The agencies aim to address widespread confusion surrounding “use by,” “sell by,” and “best by” dates, which can lead to food waste and impact food safety. This initiative could pave the way for standardized labeling practices in the U.S. food system.
Food date labels, intended to convey product quality or safety, vary widely across manufacturers. According to industry data, up to 20% of food waste in U.S. households is linked to misunderstandings of date labels. Misinterpretation can lead consumers to discard edible food or, conversely, consume items beyond their safe consumption period. The lack of standardization poses challenges not only for consumers but also for food producers and distributors navigating regulatory inconsistencies.
The USDA and FDA are seeking comments on several aspects of date labeling, including:
Standardizing terminology for food labels to clarify distinctions between safety- and quality-based dates.
Addressing technical challenges and costs associated with implementing uniform labeling practices.
Exploring the role of date labeling in reducing food waste and enhancing consumer safety.
Examining how standardized labels could support efforts to achieve national food loss and waste reduction goals.
Standardized date labeling could have significant operational and sustainability benefits. Clear, consistent labeling would improve inventory management, minimize unnecessary food disposal, and enhance traceability efforts. GCCA recognizes this opportunity to drive efficiency and strengthen consumer trust. Stakeholders have until February 5, 2025, to submit comments to the Federal Register.
