Are you confused by food expiration dates? You're not alone

Almost 90% of Americans throw away food prematurely. Two bills introduced in Congress today aim to avoid confusion by simplifying food labeling

The US Senate and the House of Representatives today introduced bills to clarify the rules regarding expiration date labels on food. The current labeling system means an estimated 8m lbs of food is thrown away prematurely every year.

The bills, from Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rep Chellie Pingree (D-ME), aim to standardize America's food date labeling system. Instead of the many different dates currently in use, the new system would have just two - one to indicate peak quality and another for use on products, such as deli meat and unpasteurized cheese, that could make people ill if eaten after a certain date.