MD SB546

Beginning July 1, 2027, food manufacturers, processors, and retailers must use standardized date labels: "Best if Used By" (or "Best if Used or Frozen By") for quality dates, and "Use By" (or "Use by or Freeze By") for safety dates; abbreviated forms "BB" and "UB" are permitted for items too small for full labels

Prohibits the sale of food items manufactured on or after July 1, 2027, that are labeled with the phrase "Sell By" in consumer-readable format, though coded sell-by dates not easily readable by consumers are still permitted

Applies the same standardized date labeling requirements to Grade A milk products sold at retail, with exemptions for milk products sold directly by distributors to consumers and bulk shipments between distributors

Exempts infant formula and beer/other malt beverages from the requirements, and does not prohibit the sale, donation, or use of food after its quality date or the use of production/bottling dates on wine and distilled spirits

Requires the Maryland Department of Health to create an educational program and materials informing consumers about the meaning of quality dates and safety dates by July 1, 2027, and to post those materials on the Department's website; the act takes effect October 1, 2026