MA S1555

Requires food labelers to use standardized phrases: "best if used by" for quality dates (indicating when food quality may decline but is still safe) and "expires on" for safety dates (indicating when ready-to-eat products may pose health risks)

Mandates safety date labels on ready-to-eat products that pose high risk for Listeria monocytogenes or other foodborne pathogens, with the Commissioner of Public Health establishing criteria for which products require these labels

Prohibits restrictions on selling, donating, or using food products after their quality date has passed; only safety dates can legally restrict food sale or donation

Requires the Commissioner to provide consumer education within 1 year of enactment and review/update safety criteria and product lists at least every 4 years

Takes effect 2 years after enactment, applying only to food products labeled after that date