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Clarity in Food Date Labeling: A Joint Effort by USDA and FDA

In a significant move to address consumer confusion surrounding food date labeling, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced a collaborative Request for Information (RFI). This initiative is set to investigate the terminology currently used in food labeling, such as 'Sell By,' 'Use By,' and 'Best By.' With their combined authority over the U.S. food supply, both organizations aim to enhance clarity, transparency, and potentially reduce costs for American consumers.

Understanding the Confusion

The RFI seeks to gather insights on industry practices related to date labeling, consumer interpretations, and the impact these labels have on food waste. It addresses how various date labels contribute to consumer confusion, which the USDA estimates accounts for approximately 20% of household food waste. This confusion can lead to unnecessary discards of safe and wholesome food because products are labeled past their designated date.

Goals of the RFI

Questions posed in the RFI focus on several key areas:

• - Identification of products that feature date labels.
• - Criteria used by manufacturers to determine which wording to use.
• - Consumer perceptions of date labels and their decision-making processes when shopping or discarding food.
• - The relationship between date labels and household expenses, as well as food waste.

Consumer understanding is paramount, especially when the labels do not indicate food safety, but rather reflect quality. For instance, many consumers misinterpret these dates as indicators of safety, further complicating the landscape of food waste management.

A Call for Consumer Awareness

Both the FDA and USDA emphasize the need for consumer education and policy guidance derived from the insights collected during this RFI process. Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the FDA, emphasized that the information gathered will be critical in forming educational campaigns that help reduce the untimely disposal of food.

As part of a broader national strategy introduced in June 2024, which aims to cut food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, this RFI marks a crucial step in tackling an issue that weighs heavily on American households. The USDA estimates that an average family wastes around $1,500 worth of food annually, while the EPA reports that 66 million tons of food waste were generated across various sectors in 2019.

Addressing Industry Practices

In response to numerous comments advocating a standardization of date labeling practices, the federal bodies are exploring how the industry can align with recommendations. Currently, the FDA and USDA suggest that manufacturers use the phrase 'Best if Used By,' which indicates when the product is expected to retain its best quality, without implying it is unsafe to consume afterward.

Despite these recommendations, practices remain varied as no existing federal regulations mandate specific date labels. This flexibility may lead to different terminologies that confuse consumers further.

Next Steps and Participation

The RFI will remain open for public comments for 60 days, where stakeholders are encouraged to submit their insights to help refine food date labeling practices. This collective effort will engage various parties, including retailers, manufacturers, and consumers, in shaping policies that impact food safety and waste.

Both the USDA and FDA continue to highlight their roles in ensuring that food labeling is truthful and not misleading, reinforcing their commitment to protecting public health and fostering informed consumer choices. The realization of clearer and more standardized date labeling could be a pivotal change in reducing food waste across households in the U.S., ultimately benefiting both the environment and consumer wallets.

As this initiative unfolds, the public will play a crucial role in shaping the future of food date labeling. This collaboration aims not only at clarity but also at fostering a culture of sustainability and awareness among consumers regarding food waste management.