This bill establishes standards for food date labeling in New Jersey and mandates the Commissioner of Health to create a public education program regarding food safety. It defines two types of date labels: a "quality date," which indicates when food quality may begin to deteriorate but is still safe for consumption, and an "elevated-risk date," which signifies a high level of risk associated with consuming time/temperature control for safety food after a specified date. The bill stipulates that quality dates must be labeled with the phrase "BEST if Used By," while elevated-risk dates must use "USE By." Retail food facilities are not liable for manufacturers' labeling failures and can sell or donate food past its quality date, but cannot do so after the elevated-risk date.

Additionally, the bill amends existing regulations for fluid milk products, requiring them to be labeled with a quality date instead of a sell-by date. It allows the Department of Health to designate additional foods as time/temperature control for safety foods and mandates that this information be posted online. The bill also emphasizes the importance of public education on food date labeling, aiming to reduce consumer confusion regarding food safety and quality. The act will take effect one year after enactment, unless a federal standard preempts it.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:10-57.23