A state public health department wants to reduce food waste while protecting consumers. Which two-item policy bundle best synthesizes federal guidance and state authority concerning product dating that they could adopt?

• A. Mandate identical federal-style expiration dates on all foods regardless of risk level and ban manufacturer-specific labeling to avoid consumer confusion, with state inspectors enforcing the new uniform national dates.
• B. Prohibit any date labeling other than a mandatory labeled 'discard-by' on all products, removing best-by or sell-by options to simplify consumer decisions even though federal law allows voluntary labels.
• C. Require that all foods past any printed date be immediately disposed of by retailers, while offering no consumer education, because dates alone are sufficient to ensure safety.
• D. Encourage voluntary use of clear, consumer-friendly date labels (sell-by, best-by, use-by with definitions) and implement targeted state rules for high-risk items like eggs and infant formula while educating consumers about sensory checks and the 'when in doubt, throw it out' principle.

Answer: (D)