The USDA meat safety agency updated its guidance to foodmakers and retailers to encourage the use of the phrase “Best if used by” on packages that carry a product date. “This new guidance can help consumers save money and curb the amount of wholesome food going in the trash,” said Al Almanza, deputy undersecretary for food safety.
An estimated 30 percent of food is lost or wasted at the retail and consumer stages of the food chain, says USDA. In 2015, USDA and EPA launched the U.S. Food Waste Challenge with the goal of reducing food waste by 50 percent by 2030.
Foodmakers use a variety of phrases, such as “Sell by” or “Use by” on their products. The labels refer to the period of highest quality for the product, but often are taken as advice on when the product should be discarded. Research shows “Best if used by” is a better phrase, says USDA, because consumers recognize it refers to quality, not safety. The Food Safety and Inspection Service said it would accept comments for 60 days on the updated guidance.