New York Bill Seeks to Tackle Food Waste with Clearer Labels

Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 7:09 GMT by Democrat and Chronicle
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New Yorkers could soon see a significant shift in how they understand and interact with food expiration dates, thanks to a new bill aiming to standardize labeling practices across the state. The legislation, currently making its way through the New York State Assembly and Senate, seeks to combat the staggering amount of perfectly good food that ends up wasted annually – a problem costing consumers money and contributing significantly to environmental concerns.

The core issue lies in the confusing patchwork of date labels already on food products. Currently, phrases like “best by,” “use by,” "sell by," and “expires on” are often used interchangeably, leading consumers to mistakenly believe that these dates indicate safety risks when they primarily reflect quality or peak freshness. This confusion is a major driver behind the approximately 40% of all food produced in the United States that goes uneaten – roughly $218 billion worth annually.

The proposed bill, spearheaded by Assemblymember Yudel Rosner and Senator Rachel May, aims to simplify this system by establishing two clear categories: “Best if Used By” and "Use By." "Best if Used By" will indicate when a product is at its peak quality – flavor, texture, or aroma – but remains safe to consume after that date. "Use By," on the other hand, will be reserved for products where consumption beyond the indicated date could pose a potential health risk, such as infant formula or certain ready-to-eat meats.

The bill isn't just about changing labels; it’s also designed to educate consumers. A public awareness campaign would accompany the implementation of the new labeling system, explaining the difference between the two categories and encouraging New Yorkers to rely on their senses – sight, smell, and touch – to determine if food is still safe to eat. This education component is crucial because even with standardized labels, consumer understanding remains a key factor in reducing waste.

The impetus for this legislation comes from several sources. Nationwide efforts have been underway to address the issue of food date labeling, with states like California and Connecticut already enacting similar laws. The Food Waste Reduction Alliance has also championed clearer labeling as a vital step towards minimizing waste across the supply chain. Furthermore, organizations like ReFED (Reducing Food Waste Through Economics and Data) provide data-driven insights into the scale of the problem and potential solutions.

The environmental impact of food waste is substantial. When discarded food decomposes in landfills, it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas significantly more harmful than carbon dioxide. Reducing food waste not only conserves resources like water and land used for production but also lowers transportation emissions and reduces landfill burden. Economically, the bill promises to save consumers money by preventing them from prematurely discarding edible food.

The legislation isn't without its potential challenges. Food manufacturers will need to adapt their labeling practices, which could involve costs associated with redesigning packaging and updating internal processes. However, proponents argue that these upfront investments are outweighed by the long-term benefits of reduced waste and increased consumer trust. Furthermore, ensuring consistent implementation across different food sectors – from large national brands to smaller local producers – will require ongoing monitoring and enforcement.

The bill’s sponsors emphasize that this is just one piece of a larger puzzle in tackling food waste. Alongside clearer labeling, they advocate for initiatives such as improving food donation infrastructure, promoting composting programs, and encouraging businesses to implement strategies to minimize waste throughout their operations. Local organizations like Foodlink, which rescues surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores to distribute to those in need, play a vital role in diverting edible food from landfills and addressing food insecurity simultaneously.

The passage of this bill would represent a significant step forward for New York State in its efforts to combat food waste and promote sustainability. By empowering consumers with clear and accurate information, the legislation aims to foster a more mindful approach to food consumption and contribute to a healthier environment and economy for all New Yorkers. The hope is that this initiative will serve as a model for other states looking to address this pervasive problem and create a more sustainable future.

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New York Bill Seeks to Tackle Food Waste with Clearer Labels

Vacationing with Children can be Easy!