The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have taken a significant step by announcing a joint request for information (RFI) regarding food date labeling. This move aims to gain insights into various aspects related to date labeling on food products. Date labeling includes terms such as “Sell By,” “Use By,” and “Best By.” The RFI seeks information on industry practices, consumer perceptions, and the impact of date labeling on food waste and grocery costs.

Unraveling the Mystery of Food Date Labeling

Industry Practices and Preferences

The RFI delves deep into industry practices and preferences for date labeling. It explores which products commonly contain date labels and the criteria used to decide which phrase to employ and what date to include. This aspect is crucial as it helps understand the diversity in how the food industry approaches date labeling. For instance, different food categories may have specific guidelines for date labeling based on their nature and shelf life. Some perishable items might have more strict date labeling requirements compared to non-perishable ones. This section provides a detailed analysis of the various practices followed by the industry. 2: By understanding industry practices, the FDA and USDA can work towards standardizing date labeling to a certain extent. This would not only benefit consumers in terms of clarity but also help reduce confusion and potential food waste. It allows for a more consistent approach across different food products and industries, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions.

Consumer Perceptions and Impacts

The RFI also focuses on how consumers interpret date label information. It examines whether consumers are confused by these labels, especially when they believe the dates determine food safety rather than quality. Many consumers might wrongly assume that a food is no longer safe to eat after a certain date, leading to unnecessary food waste. This section explores the actual impact of date labeling on consumers' decisions while grocery shopping and when discarding food. It reveals how consumers' understanding of date labels can influence their behavior and whether there is a need for better education on this matter. 2: Understanding consumer perceptions is essential for the FDA and USDA to design effective consumer education campaigns. By addressing the confusion and providing clear information, they can help consumers make more informed choices and reduce food waste. This could involve creating awareness about the difference between quality and safety dates and how to use date labels appropriately.

Relationship with Food Waste and Household Expenses

Finally, the RFI explores the relationship between date labels, food waste, and household expenses. It investigates how date labeling affects the amount of food wasted in households and the associated financial costs. By understanding this relationship, the agencies can develop strategies to address food waste and lower household expenses. 2: Food waste not only has an environmental impact but also puts a financial burden on households. By optimizing date labeling and reducing confusion, it is possible to minimize food waste and save money for consumers. This section presents data and analysis on the economic aspect of food waste and how date labeling can play a role in addressing this issue.Both the FDA and USDA currently recommend the “Best if Used By” quality-based food date label, which indicates the date after which quality may decline but the product can still be consumed. However, current federal regulations do not prohibit the use of other date labeling phrases if they are truthful and not misleading. This allows for some flexibility in the industry while still maintaining consumer protection.Commenters will have 60 days to provide their responses to the 13 questions posed in the RFI. Further information on how to submit a comment can be found here. The information collected from this RFI is expected to inform future policy decisions, guidance, and consumer education campaigns on food date labels, ultimately helping to reduce food waste and improve food safety.