Bill > H2460

This bill aims to standardize food date labeling in Massachusetts by establishing clear guidelines for "quality dates" and "safety dates" on food packaging. The legislation requires food labelers to use specific, uniform phrases like "best if used by" for quality dates (which indicate potential product quality decline) and "use by" for safety dates (which indicate potential health risks). The Commissioner of Public Health will determine which ready-to-eat products require safety dates based on risk criteria, particularly for products with high risks of contaminants like Listeria monocytogenes. The bill mandates that these dates be clearly and consistently displayed on food packaging, and prohibits restrictions on selling or donating food solely based on having passed a quality date. The commissioner must provide guidance to food labelers and consumer education about these new labeling standards within one year of enactment. Importantly, the requirements will only apply to food products labeled two years after the act's enactment, giving businesses time to adapt. The bill also includes a provision that makes non-compliant food labeling a violation, ensuring enforcement of these new standards.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2460