DigitalVision/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture issed new guidance to food manufacturers and retailers on Wednesday, aiming to clarify how food items should be labeled to best inform consumers how long they are fit to eat.
The variety of different terms used for that purpose, including “sell by”, “best by”, “use before”, can be hard to decipher.
The USDA says confusion over these labels is a major contributor to the amount of food that is thrown away because consumers aren’t sure if it is still alright to eat. According to the USDA, 30 percent of food is wasted by retailers and consumers.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said it encourages manufacturers and retailers to use the term “Best if Used By” on date labels moving forward.
“In an effort to reduce food loss and waste, these changes will give consumers clear and consistent information when it comes to date labeling on the food they buy,” said Al Almanza, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety. “This new guidance can help consumers save money and curb the amount of wholesome food going in the trash.”
The USDA noted that there are no federal regulations controlling how food products are dated, with the exception of baby formula. Therefore, there is no official difference between “sell by”, “best by”, “use by” or any of the other labels – companies can use them as they see fit.
The agency chose to recommend “Best if Used By” because research showed that the phrase was most easily understood by consumers as an indicator of quality rather than safety.
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