The USDA and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a joint Request for Information (RFI) on product criteria for food date labels, phrasing and the interpretation of these dates by consumers, particularly their misconceptions about safety versus quality.
“We are looking forward to gathering valuable 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,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. “The information collected will help us understand consumers’ perception of terms like ‘Sell By,’ ‘Use By’ and ‘Best By.’”
Comments can be made online until Feb. 3, 2025, at tinyurl.com/n96sy7pr.
