Creates two standard phrases for quality and discard dates when a food company uses date labels. Sets readability and format rules, and ties noncompliance to “misbranding” under existing food laws. Limits state rules on date-phrase wording while keeping some state powers and legal remedies.
Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Food Date Labeling Act of 2025 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
Latest action on H.R. 4987: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
Who this affects: This affects companies that label and sell food in the U.S., especially those that already print “best by,” “use by,” or similar dates on packages. It also affects grocery stores, food manufacturers, and producers of meat, poultry, and egg products because the rules tie into existing USDA and FDA enforcement systems. Shoppers are affected because the bill aims to make date wording more consistent and clearer across foods. State and local governments are affected because they would have less room to require different wording, even though they can still set some rules about timing and sale or donation after certain dates.
Why this matters: Food date labels are common, but the words on them often don’t clearly tell people whether a date is about peak quality or about when the producer thinks the food should not be eaten. This bill tries to reduce that confusion by standardizing the phrases nationwide when companies use date labels and by requiring consumer education. It also matters for enforcement because it ties the new wording rules to “misbranding,” which can trigger existing federal enforcement tools. At the same time, it changes the balance between federal and state rules by blocking states from requiring different phrases while still letting them control some timing rules and restrictions after discard dates.
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Officially: Food Date Labeling Act of 2025
Creates two standard phrases for quality and discard dates when a food company uses date labels. Sets readability and format rules, and ties noncompliance to “misbranding” under existing food laws. Limits state rules on date-phrase wording while keeping some state powers and legal remedies.
Use this page to support, oppose, or ask Congress to amend H.R.4987. Modern Action explains what the bill does, helps identify the right senators or representative, and drafts a bill-specific message you can edit and send.
Where it stands
Sitting in Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture
No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.
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The debate
Where this bill is in the process
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
Latest: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. (1/13/2026)
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
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This page gives you an opportunity to support, oppose, or ask for changes to Food Date Labeling Act of 2025, then contact the elected officials who can act. Modern Action drafts the message from your position and the reasons you select.
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