Standardizing date labeling on food products to reduce food waste.

This bill aims to decrease food waste by standardizing the date labeling of food products in Massachusetts. It mandates the use of the phrase "best if used by" for quality dates on food packaging, unless the commissioner specifies another uniform phrase. The commissioner will establish criteria for high-risk ready-to-eat products and may list additional products or exempt certain ones. Safety dates must be included on ready-to-eat products, and the commissioner will provide guidance and consumer education on these labels.

Standardizing date labeling on food products to reduce food waste.

This bill aims to decrease food waste by standardizing the date labeling of food products in Massachusetts. It mandates the use of the phrase "best if used by" for quality dates on food packaging, unless the commissioner specifies another uniform phrase. The commissioner will establish criteria for high-risk ready-to-eat products and may list additional products or exempt certain ones. Safety dates must be included on ready-to-eat products, and the commissioner will provide guidance and consumer education on these labels.