Preamble

WHEREAS, the ambiguity surrounding “best by” and “sell by” food labels contributes to significant food waste within the United States; and

WHEREAS, a unified and simplified food labeling system is necessary to provide clear guidance to consumers and reduce unnecessary food waste; and

WHEREAS, reducing food waste is imperative for environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and public health;

NOW, THEREFORE, Be it enacted,

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as “The Unified Food Labeling Reform Act of 2024”.

Section 2: Definitions

For the purposes of this Act:

1. “Use By” label shall mean a date indicating the end of the period during which a product remains safe to consume.
2. “Best If Used By” label shall mean a date indicating the end of the period during which the product will be at its optimal quality and flavor according to the manufacturer.

Section 3: Implementation of a Unified Food Labeling System

(a) Requirement for Labeling – Starting January 1, 2026, all food products distributed or sold within the United States shall use one of the following labels:

(i) “Use By” to indicate food safety expiration dates.

(ii) “Best If Used By” to indicate peak quality dates.

(b) Abolishment of Other Labels – The use of any other date labels such as “sell by”, “expires on”, or any similar variations for indicating food quality or safety is hereby prohibited.

Section 4: Education and Public Awareness Campaign

(a) The Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, shall develop and implement a national public awareness campaign to educate consumers about the meaning of the “Use By” and “Best If Used By” labels and their importance in reducing food waste.

Section 5: Compliance and Enforcement

(a) The Food and Drug Administration shall be responsible for the enforcement of this Act, including the establishment of regulations for the implementation of the unified food labeling system.

(b) Penalties – Any entity found in violation of this Act shall be subject to fines established by the Food and Drug Administration, considering the severity of the violation and the entity’s history of compliance.

Section 6: Support for Businesses

(a) The Department of Agriculture shall provide guidance and support to businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to facilitate the transition to the unified food labeling system.

(b) Financial Assistance – A grant program shall be established to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in complying with the requirements of this Act.

Section 7: Review and Adjustment

(a) The Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, shall review the effectiveness of the unified food labeling system every five years and make necessary adjustments based on findings to further reduce food waste and improve public health outcomes.

Section 8: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2026, giving ample time for businesses to adjust their practices and for public awareness efforts to be implemented.

End of Document

This legislative document serves as a comprehensive template for introducing a clear and standardized food labeling system aimed at reducing food waste and providing consumers with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding food safety and quality.

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SEE ALSO

Pt. 1: The Confusion of “Best By” & “Sell By” Dates: A Call for Clarity

Pt. 3: Navigating the Debate: The Case for Unified Food Labeling