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HD 197

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Higgins and 4 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill standardizes food date labeling to reduce consumer confusion and household food waste through consistent product freshness terminology.

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Bill Summary · HD 197

Legislative bill overview

HD 197 standardizes date labeling requirements for food products sold in Massachusetts to reduce confusion among consumers. The bill aims to establish consistent terminology and practices across the food industry, making it easier for shoppers to understand product freshness and safety.

Why is this important

Food waste represents a significant economic and environmental problem, with consumers often discarding edible food due to misunderstanding date labels. Standardized labeling could reduce household food waste, lower consumer costs, and decrease the environmental impact of food production and disposal.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal vs. state authority: Food labeling is primarily regulated by the FDA at the federal level; Massachusetts action may create confusion if it diverges from federal standards or create compliance costs for multi-state distributors
  • Industry compliance costs: Food manufacturers and retailers may face expenses in relabeling products and updating supply chain systems, potentially raising prices for consumers
  • Effectiveness questions: Standardized labeling alone may have limited impact on food waste if consumer behavior and education don't improve; unclear whether this addresses the larger issue of waste at retail and institutional levels

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

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