New USDA Food Labels Will Eliminate Confusion And Food Waste

With food waste numbers on the rise, the U.S. Department of Agriculture wants to eliminate unnecessary food waste by streamlining food labels. In the past, some food packages said "best by," "use by," or "sell by." But now, all food and drink packaging expiration dates will read "best if used by," so as to clear up any confusion and to reduce food waste.

"The average family is actually throwing away about $1,500 a year in food that is perfectly good to eat," Sasha Stashwick with the National Resource Defense Council told CBS News. "Typically those dates are just a manufacturers best guess on when food will be at its peak quality, they are really not an indicator about the safety of the food."

Milk usually lasts a week past the printed date, she said, and eggs can usually be eaten three to five weeks after they are purchased.

For more products that are usually still edible or drinkable past their expiration dates, click here.