NJ S606

Standardizes food date labels to two uniform phrases: "BEST if Used By" for quality dates (food still safe but may decline in quality) and "USE By" for elevated-risk dates on temperature-sensitive foods requiring safety controls.

Prohibits retail food facilities from selling or donating food after its elevated-risk date, but explicitly allows sale, donation, and use of food after quality dates have passed.

Bans consumer-facing "sell-by" dates on food packaging, though coded formats not easily readable by consumers remain permitted for stock rotation purposes.

Requires the Commissioner of Health to establish a public education program informing consumers about the difference between quality and safety date labels and proper food handling.

Takes effect one year after enactment and becomes inoperative if a preemptive federal food labeling standard is adopted.