Food Date Labeling Act of 2025 (S. 2541)

Summary

Makes food date labels easier to understand by creating two standard phrases: one for food quality and one for when food should be thrown away.

What problem does this solve?

Confusing food date labels cause people to throw away good food, which wastes money and resources. This bill creates a simple, two-phrase system to make it clear when food is best versus when it is unsafe to eat.

What does this bill do?

Creates a standard label for food quality

Requires that if a food producer wants to put a quality date on a product, it must use the phrase 'BEST If Used By'.

Creates a standard label for food safety

Requires that if a food producer wants to put a discard date on a product, it must use the phrase 'USE By'.

Makes date labeling voluntary

Allows food producers to decide whether or not to include a quality or discard date on their products.

Prevents states from making different rules

Stops states from creating their own food date labeling laws that are different from this national standard.

Requires public education

Directs government agencies to create an outreach program to teach consumers what the new 'BEST If Used By' and 'USE By' labels mean.

Excludes infant formula

Specifies that these new labeling rules do not apply to infant formula, which has its own set of regulations.

Who does this affect?

Consumers
Food manufacturers
Grocery stores

What is the real world impact?

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Reduces consumer confusion

Creates a simple, nationwide standard for food date labels, making it easier for people to know if their food is still good to eat.

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Decreases food waste

Helps prevent people from throwing away good food due to confusing date labels, which can save households money and reduce the amount of food going to landfills.

When does this start?

The new rules and educational programs will be put in place within two years of the bill becoming law.

Consumer education campaign

Government agencies must start educating the public about the new labels no later than two years after the bill is signed into law.

Final regulations published

The final rules for how to carry out this act must be published no later than two years after the bill is signed into law.

New labels on products

The new labeling requirements will apply to all food products labeled two years or more after the bill becomes law.