Product date labeling is voluntary for all foods and beverages with the exception of infant formula.  However, there is no standardized nomenclature, which surveys show leads to consumer confusion and may result in food waste.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 30 percent of U.S. food is wasted each year.1  Similarly, there is consumer confusion about food safety versus quality, likely caused by not understanding terms used on date labels, e.g., “sell by,” “use by,” or “best before” – leading to additional, unnecessary food waste.  The connector session will discuss the various date labels; what they mean for food/beef safety (ingredients, pathogens of concern, etc.); and what best practices (storage times, cooking temperatures, etc.) consumers can implement in their homes to ensure perishable products remain safe for consumption.