May 23, 2019

ARLINGTON, VA – Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today received a letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that supports our industry’s efforts, in concert with the food manufacturing community, to reduce consumer confusion regarding food product date labels. FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin replied to the letter, saying:

“On behalf of FMI’s retail, wholesale and manufacturer members, we sincerely appreciate FDA’s recognition of the industry’s dedication to seeking solutions and mitigating consumer confusion in the marketplace regarding how best to navigate the myriad product code date labels on grocery shelves across the country. The agency’s endorsement signals a best practice in ways industry partners can truly deliver on a promise to provide guidance to our customers that is easier to understand.

“In 2017, members of the Food Marketing Institute and Grocery Manufacturers Association offered a nationwide voluntary initiative encouraging the adoption of standard date-label wording on packages that provides guidance concerning the quality and potential degradation of food products, which has implications for food waste reduction.

“We appreciate FDA’s endorsement of the ‘Best if Used By’ date, a moniker of quality. We look forward to continued discussions with both FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the small universe of food products that require a demarcation for food storage and safety.

“Through enhanced education and transparent communication, consumer confidence in their grocery stores as advocates for their health will only increase.”