HB 3849

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Provides that the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, shall, on or before July 1, 2024, publish information to encourage food manufacturers, processors, and retailers responsible for the labeling of food products to voluntarily use the specified uniform terms on food product labels to communicate quality dates and safety dates. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall promote the consistent use of the terms specified pursuant to these provisions in the course of its existing interactions with food manufacturers, processors, and retailers. Provides that in the process of implementing these provisions, the Department shall encourage food distributors and retailers to develop alternatives to consumer-facing "sell by" dates. Provides that the Department may accept nonstate funds from public and private sources to educate consumers about the meaning of the quality dates and safety dates specified in these provisions. Provides that funds accepted by the Department shall be deposited into the Food and Drug Safety Fund. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Makes changes to the definition of the term "quality date". Deletes a provision establishing a continuing appropriation from the Food and Drug Safety Fund.