You might soon be able to quit sticking jars of mayo in your roommate’s face and asking, “Does this seem okay to eat?”
A piece of legislation called The Food Date Labeling Act could potentially force companies to use clearer language when informing consumers of the “sell by” date on packaged foods, letting you know once and for all whether rolling the dice will result in an extended session with your toilet bowl or just a slightly less tasty lunch.
The members of Congress behind it—Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine)—are also hoping it’ll help curb that buzzed-about problem-du-jour: food waste.
The act would standardize labeling so that “best if used by” will refer to quality, and “expires on” will let you know something is no longer safe to consume. While the former will be printed on shelf-stable goods, the latter will be on those items that can cause serious health issues if expired, like dairy and eggs.
Unlike debates about what “natural” means or whether products containing genetically modified ingredients should be labeled, this one seems rather clear cut. In addition to the national system it would institute for date labeling, it would also “ensure that food is allowed to be sold or donated after its quality date, and educate consumers about the meaning of new labels so that they can make better economic and safety decision,” according to Pingree’s website.
[quote position="left" is_quote="true"]Safety can depend a lot on how a product is handled and so can quality.[/quote]
Marsha Cohen, a professor at U.C. Hastings College of the Law who specializes in food and drug law, thinks it has the possibility of cutting food waste if handled properly.
“I'm sure [the Food Date Labeling Act] will leave a lot to FDA and USDA to work out,” she says. This means looking at these possible label changes from a number of angles. Cohen points out that a “best by” or “expires on” label in San Francisco, where the climate is rather cool, will mean something different than it does in Phoenix, where it’s hot, and these factors need to be taken into account.
“The devil is in the details,” she says, “not just in creating some standardization for what kind of data you use for an expiration date. Safety can depend a lot on how a product is handled and so can quality.”
It is, she believes, an opportunity to instruct consumers on how to be smarter in the kitchen and to know when something is truly spoiled or can be salvaged. Pointing to her own experience, she notes how that can really decrease food waste: “I've been told by food scientists, ‘Mold on hard cheese? Cut it off.’”
But if you know how to cook with, say, slightly sour milk, there will be less of it going into the garbage. “I'm kind of maniacal about not throwing stuff out,” Cohen admits.
Even if the act doesn’t pass, it’s drawing attention to the impact of labeling on waste and how these date labels affect whether food can be donated to those in need—a clear matter of importance to Congresswoman Pinigree, who also introduced The Food Recovery Act of 2015.
There is also nothing stopping consumers from learning the ropes on keeping food fresh longer. As American Home Shield notes, there are plenty of ways consumers can save both money and food from going down the drain such as purchasing only items you need, storing fruits and veggies separately, learning which items go in the fridge and which stay on the counter, and remembering to wash your leafy greens before storing them in the fridge with a damp cloth.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.