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H 2460

An Act decreasing food waste by standardizing the date labeling of food

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 10 co-sponsors

H 2460 - An Act decreasing food waste by standardizing the date labeling of food OverviewBill Number: H 2460 Title: An Act decreasing food waste by standardizing the date labeling

Hearing rescheduled to 09/10/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:35 PM in B-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 2460

H 2460 - An Act decreasing food waste by standardizing the date labeling of food

Overview

Bill Number: H 2460
Title: An Act decreasing food waste by standardizing the date labeling of food
Status: Hearing rescheduled to 09/10/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:35 PM in B-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to reduce food waste by establishing a standardized date labeling system for food products sold in the state. Currently, the lack of consistent date labeling leads to consumer confusion and premature disposal of edible food. By creating clear guidelines, the legislation intends to empower consumers to make more informed decisions about food freshness and safety, ultimately decreasing the amount of nutritious food that ends up in landfills.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all food products sold in the state to display one of two standardized date labels: "Best If Used By" for quality and "Use By" for safety
  • Prohibits the use of other date labels like "Sell By" or "Expires On" that can mislead consumers
  • Directs the state Department of Agriculture to develop educational campaigns to inform the public about the new date labeling system
  • Mandates that grocery stores and food retailers provide clear in-store signage explaining the meaning of the "Best If Used By" and "Use By" labels
  • Establishes civil penalties for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who fail to comply with the new date labeling requirements

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Consumers will benefit from clearer, more consistent date labels to make informed choices about food freshness and safety
  • Food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers will need to update their packaging and in-store signage to comply with the new requirements
  • The state Department of Agriculture will be responsible for developing educational outreach and enforcing the new date labeling standards
  • Reduced food waste is expected to have positive environmental impacts by diverting less edible food from landfills

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill is currently scheduled for a hearing on September 10, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 1:35 PM, both in-person and via virtual hearing. If passed, the new date labeling requirements would take effect 6 months after the bill's enactment to allow time for businesses to make the necessary changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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