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Episode Transcription
From Washington State University Extension, I’m Susie Craig.
Confused by date labels on food products? You are not alone. “Use By”, “Best By”, and other dates on labels vary by manufacturer and regulators, state by state. Consumers don’t know if they are more reflective of freshness and quality or related to increased risk of foodborne illness and food safety. Currently, the United States is the only country without federal law on date labels.
A bill establishing a dual labeling system has been introduced to Congress. It requires one quality date indicator and one discard date indicator. A new federal law would do much to end confusion for manufacturers, retail stores, and consumers. This legislation would likely reduce food waste while stretching consumer’s purchasing power with food safety in mind.
From Washington State University Extension, this is Food Safety in a Minute.
Resources
Digital Exclusives. Institute of Food Technology. 12/20/22. Best Buy Confusion. Dale Buss. Accessed online 3/8/23.