Massachusetts H2205 standardizes date labeling on food packaging to reduce food waste.

Massachusetts H2205 aims to decrease food waste by standardizing date labeling on food packaging. The bill mandates that food labelers use specific phrases for quality and safety dates. Quality dates, which indicate when a product's quality may start to decline, must be labeled with "best if used by." Safety dates, which indicate the end of a product's shelf life, must be labeled with "expires on." The commissioner of public health will provide guidance on determining these dates and will conduct consumer education on their meaning.

Massachusetts H2205 standardizes date labeling on food packaging to reduce food waste.

Massachusetts H2205 aims to decrease food waste by standardizing date labeling on food packaging. The bill mandates that food labelers use specific phrases for quality and safety dates. Quality dates, which indicate when a product's quality may start to decline, must be labeled with "best if used by." Safety dates, which indicate the end of a product's shelf life, must be labeled with "expires on." The commissioner of public health will provide guidance on determining these dates and will conduct consumer education on their meaning.