The law standardizes language around expiration dates, aiming to minimize confusion about when food is safe to eat. More than one-third of food sold nationwide is wasted, the U.S.D.A. says.

Federal law does not require most food expiration dates. Learn how food date labels work and what really signals spoilage.

For over 5 years, Arthur has been professionally covering video games, writing guides and walkthroughs. His passion for video games began at age 10 in 2010 when he first played Gothic, an immersive ...