Proposed bill would standardize food date labels. What it could mean for NC
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Federal bill proposes standard food date labels to reduce consumer confusion.
- Lawmakers aim to lower food waste and grocery costs through label clarity.
- NC could adopt federal regulations to enforce uniform labels, if the bill passes.
Food manufacturers use several different date labels — best by, use by and best if used by, to name a few.
These terms can cause confusion among consumers, potentially leading to food waste.
A new bill aims to change that and could affect how North Carolinians shop.
U.S. lawmakers recently introduced a bill, the “Food Date Labeling Act of 2025,” that would standardize food date label requirements.
Supporters, including Sens. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, and Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said the bill would help customers save money and avoid throwing away food that’s suitable to eat. The bill also has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, including from Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, and Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Washington Republican.
Similar legislation has been introduced in previous years, and the proposed bill is far from being law. After it was introduced in late July, it was referred to a Senate committee.
If it did become federal law, North Carolina would then have to adopt the regulations to enforce them at the state level, said Anita MacMullan, Food and Drug Division director of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Everybody’s been trying to make these code dates more meaningful to consumers,” MacMullan said. “So if this legislation can accomplish that, I think that’s a benefit to consumers.”
Here’s how the bill could impact North Carolinians.
What does the Food Date Labeling Act say?
The Food Date Labeling Act proposes uniform phrases for quality and discard dates on food — “best if used by” (or “BB” for short), and “use by” (“UB” for short).
- The best if used by date indicates the manufacturer’s recommended date for consuming a food item. After the date, the quality of the item may deteriorate, but it remains “apparently wholesome food.”
- The use by date marks the end of a product’s shelf life. After the date, the manufacturer recommends the item not be consumed.
The bill does not require manufacturers to include a best if used by or use by date.
It does, however, instruct the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services to educate consumers on the meanings of quality and discard date phrases within two years after the bill becomes law.
How the Food Date Labeling Act could affect NC
If manufacturers choose to print food date labels on their products, they may need to change their equipment or operations, which could come with a cost, MacMullan said.
However, consistent labeling terms, paired with education efforts, could help families save money on groceries and reduce food waste, she said. In 2023, 2.66 million tons of food waste was generated in North Carolina, according to the state Department of Environmental Quality.
A 2016 survey of more than 1,000 adults found that one-third of consumers always throw away food close to or past the date label, and 84% did so at least occasionally.
In most cases, date labels indicate the best quality of the product, not safety. Food that is “expired” based on the date label may still be fine to eat, MacMullan previously told The N&O.
To help determine whether a food can be consumed, individuals can use their senses, she said. If the product smells, looks and feels like it should, it’s probably safe to eat. If there are signs of decomposition or a bad odor, that could indicate a safety issue.
“The food doesn’t know the calendar,” MacMullan said.
This story was originally published August 8, 2025 at 12:26 PM.
