The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released an update on Wednesday to its’ guide on meat and poultry product date labeling in an effort to reduce food waste.
FSIS identified that many consumers associate the phrases “Sell-By” and “Use-By” for food packages as indicators of food safety, rather than food quality. As a result, many consumers may unnecessarily discard a food product that is beyond the “Sell-By” or “Use-By” date, resulting in food waste. USDA cited an estimated 30 percent of food being lost or wasted at the retail and consumer level, due in part to misinterpreting food date labels. FSIS states research showing that the phrase “Best if Used By” better communicates to a consumer that the product will be highest in quality if used within the “Best if Used By” date.
FSIS further specified that meat and poultry products beyond the labeled “Best if Used By” date that do not show signs of spoiling can be sold, purchased, donated, or consumed safely. The only food product for which this guidance does not apply is infant formula, which requires a “Use-By” date to ensure nutrient quantity and quality. With the exception of infant formula, date labeling on food products is not required by federal regulations, and is voluntary so long as it complies with FSIS regulations.
A link to the complete guidance may be found here, and comments on the guidance may be submitted until December 31, 2016. The National Chicken Council’s Chicken Check In also provides detailed information on safe chicken preparation, cooking, and storage.
