[mypastself]

> The only people who could benefit are the producers, and I could imagine an unscrupulous manufacturer shortening the date on their food so that people will sigh, throw out a half-eaten package that has “expired,” and go buy some more.

Baffling argument. I’m sure producers would be much happier with indefinitely fresh products.

> Distributors fear legal threats if someone eats past-dated food and becomes ill (something that has rarely happened, but it’s still a looming threat).

That’s basically it. No scams or conspiracies needed.

As for the proposed solution about labeling standardization, I haven’t read the linked Harvard study in full, but I also haven’t managed to find the methodology by which they estimated the $1.8 billion benefit.