Product Code Dating Frequently Asked Questions


Grocery manufacturers and retailers have joined together to streamline and standardize the wording accompanying the date labels on packages to offer greater clarity regarding the quality and safety of products. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. Click the question to reveal the answer. 

Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are you launching this initiative?
How was it developed?
How will it change current product date labeling?
What is the difference between “BEST If Used By” and “USE By”?
Why is company adoption of these standards voluntary? Why not make it mandatory?
Would you support a federal standard in this area?
How will you get companies to participate in this voluntary program?
How long will it take companies to make the change and when will consumers see products with these new terms in supermarkets?
What products are covered under this initiative?
How do you define “perishable” and what products will include “USE By” for safety?
What do you mean by “safety or material degradation of critical performance”?
What impact will this initiative have on decreasing food waste?
How much will it cost for your companies to adopt these new labeling standards?