The Food and Drug Administration and the USDA announced a joint request for information about food date labeling, which includes the use of terms like 鈥淪ell By,鈥 鈥淯se By,鈥 and 鈥淏est By.鈥
The information request asks for data on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and grocery costs. 鈥淐onfusion over a multitude of different date labeling terms on food products accounts for about 20 percent of food waste in the home,鈥 says FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. 鈥淲e look forward to gathering information to determine how date labeling can make it easier for consumers to know whether a food is still good to eat and avoid food waste.鈥
Both agencies currently recommend that food industry members voluntarily apply the 鈥淏est if Used By鈥 quality-based food date label.
