Greenstein's effort to change 'sell by' to 'use by' labels helps save money and food

Can't believe that I'm gonna say it, but Senator Linda Greenstein was making sense this week.

Why sell by date labels may get a revamp

Yup, She wants to cut down on wasted food by changing the labels that food distributor put on the packages. Instead of "Sell By" the labels would have to be "Use By". You know what? I like it. I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to food. First of all, I grew up learning the value of money and food and have been a proud member of the "clean plate club' since I was very young.

Second I don't like to waste money. OK some may call me cheap. BUT, if milk is past the "sell by" date, I'm likely to throw it out for fear of some bacteria born illness. If Senator Greenstein's legislation passes it's likely that the dates will be extended if we accept that the sell by and use-by dates are different. Longer shelf like sounds great to me. Although I still root through the supermarket shelf and by the product which has the furthest date.

That said, my wife Jodi agrees with my friend Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon...if it doesn't smell bad, it's just fine to eat.