Food Date Labeling Act of 2025
The Food Date Labeling Act of 2025 would establish federal, uniform requirements for how quality date phrases (BEST If Used By) and discard date phrases (USE By) are displayed on food packaging. While giving manufacturers discretion about whether to use these phrases, the bill would require that, if used, the phrases and dates appear in a clear, conspicuous format and specify an approved date format (month/year or month/day/year). It also authorizes the use of technology (QR codes, time-temperature indicators, etc.) to convey these dates and could allow the phrase to include an optional “or freeze by.” The act creates enforcement provisions (via FDA and, for certain products, USDA agencies) and preempts conflicting state labeling requirements, with some narrowly defined savings intact. It would take effect two years after enactment, with final regulations due within two years after that. In short, the bill aims to standardize how consumer-facing shelf-life and quality information is communicated on packaged foods, improve consumer understanding, and curb misbranding and inconsistent state rules, while allowing some flexibility for labelers and new labeling technologies.
Key Points
- 1Uniform labeling requirements: If a quality date or discard date is used, it must be preceded by standardized phrases (BEST If Used By for quality; USE By for discard), with dates shown in month/year or month/day/year format; abbreviations BB and UB may be used only if small packaging prevents full phrases.
- 2Optional abbreviations and flexibility: The uniform phrases can be replaced through rulemaking by the administering Secretaries, and labelers can decide whether to include quality or discard dates on products.
- 3Placement, readability, and technology: Dates must be in a single, easy-to-read type style and placed conspicuously on the label; labeling may incorporate tech like QR codes, time-temperature indicators, or smart labels in addition to or instead of uniform phrases. An optional “or freeze by” may be added.
- 4Education and enforcement: The Secretaries must educate consumers about the meanings of quality and discard date phrases within two years of enactment. Misbranding provisions would add violations to the FD&C Act and related farm- and food-safety statutes, with coordinated enforcement involving the FDA and USDA agencies and FTC input.
- 5Preemption and state compatibility: The act would preempt conflicting state labeling requirements but preserves certain rights related to civil remedies and clarifies that it does not force labeling for infant formula. States can’t impose different quality/ discard date rules that conflict with the federal framework.