CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratBill · S. 2541· Senate(119-S-2541)

Food Date Labeling Act of 2025

Rep. Blumenthal
Age: 80 years
Connecticut
Introduced
7/30/2025
Last activity
7/30/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sponsored by
Richard Blumenthal
Cosponsors
Democrat - 6Republican - 1
Health
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, called the "Food Date Labeling Act of 2025," aims to standardize the language used in quality and discard date phrases on food labels. It mandates the use of "BEST If Used By" for quality dates and "USE By" for discard dates, while allowing for the use of "BB" and "UB" abbreviations on smaller packages. The bill emphasizes consumer education and leaves the decision to include these dates to the food labeler.

Yes· 3 of 9

  • Would people over 65 be better off under this?+2

    Clear and standard date labeling on food products can significantly reduce food waste and confusion, benefiting seniors.

  • Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2

    Reducing food waste through clearer labeling can stretch food budgets for low-income households.

  • Would retired people be better off under this?+2

    Clearer food labeling helps retirees, who may be on fixed incomes, reduce unnecessary waste.

The opposite

  • Does this leave more decisions to the states?-1

    The bill preempts states from establishing different food labeling requirements, reducing their regulatory autonomy.