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S. 2541119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Jul 30, 2025Decoded by AI · checked against the record
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
S 2541 would require food makers who print dates to use only "BEST If Used By" or "USE By," replacing today's inconsistent labels.
55-second read · 4 questions answered below
S 2541 establishes a national standard limiting food date labels to two phrases: "BEST If Used By," indicating the food remains safe but may decline in quality after that date, and "USE By," indicating the food should not be eaten after that date. Companies are not required to print any date, but if they do, they must use one of these two phrases. Infant formula is excluded and keeps its existing rules.
Food manufacturers and grocery stores must update their packaging within two years of the law passing. Everyday shoppers, and state governments whose own label regulations would be partially preempted, are also affected.
States would be barred from creating their own versions of the two label phrases and from prohibiting the sale of food solely because it has passed a "BEST If Used By" date, though they could still restrict sale or donation of food past a "USE By" date. The federal government would be required to run public education campaigns explaining the meaning of both phrases.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.