California bans ‘sell by’ food labels to cut food waste and confusion
Sandego.net – California has taken a bold step in its efforts to reduce household food waste by implementing a new labeling law that eliminates “sell by” dates on food packaging. The policy, which went into effect on Wednesday, aims to clarify consumer understanding of food freshness and safety, addressing a longstanding issue that has led to millions of pounds of edible food being discarded annually. The law replaces the ambiguous “sell by” labels with two standardized terms: “Best if Used By” for peak quality and “Use By” for safety. This shift is expected to streamline decision-making for shoppers and lessen the environmental impact of premature food disposal.
Discrepancies in Date Labels Cause Confusion
Kimberley Kausen, a chef and cooking instructor from Irvine, California, illustrates the problem with date labels. In her household, the same “sell by” date on a milk jug can mean vastly different things to different family members. Her daughter interprets it as a signal to toss the item, while her husband assumes it’s still safe for a few more days. Kausen, who often checks the smell and texture of milk before using it, highlights how these labels create uncertainty. “It’s not just about meat and poultry,” she explained. “Even with milk, people often don’t know whether it’s still usable or not.”
“Consumers get confused and they just default to assuming that whatever date is on the package means ‘don’t eat it and throw it away,’” said Kumar Chandran, policy director at ReFED, a nonprofit focused on reducing food waste.
The law’s primary goal is to end this ambiguity. While “sell by” dates were originally designed to guide retailers on how long to display products in stores, they have been misinterpreted by consumers as a sign of spoilage. By replacing them with two clear labels, California hopes to reduce the amount of food discarded based on these dates. “This change is about making it easier for people to make informed choices,” said Democratic Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, the bill’s sponsor. “It’s a small adjustment that can lead to significant reductions in waste.”
State Leads the Way in Food Label Reform
California became the first state in the U.S. to standardize food labeling when it passed the legislation in 2024. The move aligns with broader environmental objectives, including lowering the state’s climate-warming emissions. Food manufacturers now have the flexibility to use either of the two new labels or both, depending on their products. However, the law emphasizes consistency, ensuring that all labels use the same language across brands.
Similar legislation has gained traction in other states. New York lawmakers recently approved a comparable measure, which is pending Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. Bills have also been proposed in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and South Carolina, though none have passed yet. Nick Lapis, director of advocacy at Californians Against Waste, a co-sponsor of the bill, argued that the lack of uniformity has long been a barrier to effective food waste reduction. “We don’t need to build a massive infrastructure or invest heavily in new systems,” he said. “The solution is simple: companies just need to use the same words for the same meaning.”
“Food labels are the leading cause of household food waste,” Lapis added.
A 2022 report by the University of Maryland identified over 50 different date labels used on packaged foods in the U.S. These labels, often unregulated and inconsistent, provide little guidance on whether food is safe to eat. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that nearly 20% of the nation’s food waste stems from consumer misunderstanding of date labels. In California alone, this policy is projected to prevent the disposal of 6 million tons of unexpired food each year.
Federal Guidelines and Consumer Impact
While the federal government has not yet mandated date labels, the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggested a decade ago that food sellers should adopt “Best if Used By” labeling. Currently, the only federally regulated date label is for infant formula. Without a national standard, California’s initiative sets a precedent for other states and could influence future federal legislation. Chandran noted that establishing uniform labels is a critical step toward nationwide change. “If we can align terminology across the country, we can reduce confusion and waste on a massive scale,” he said.
Despite the benefits, some retailers have faced challenges in adapting to the new system. Nate Rose, a spokesperson for the California Grocers Association, acknowledged that stores have had to update their labeling practices. However, he emphasized that the overall response has been positive. “This change offers a win-win for both consumers and retailers,” Rose stated. “It simplifies decisions and helps preserve food that’s still safe to eat.” He also mentioned that older “sell by” labels will remain in stores for months, as grocers work to clear inventory.
“There are more than 50 different date labels on packaged food sold in stores, according to a 2022 report on food waste published by the University of Maryland.”
The law’s implementation underscores a growing awareness of the environmental and economic consequences of food waste. Chandran highlighted that families could save over $1,000 annually by being more mindful of expiration dates. This potential savings, combined with the reduction of landfill waste, positions California’s policy as a model for other regions. As the state continues to refine its approach, the success of the law may inspire federal action, creating a unified system that addresses both consumer confusion and sustainability goals.
Broader Implications for Food Systems
California’s decision to ban “sell by” labels reflects a shift in how food systems approach waste management. By focusing on clarity and consistency, the state aims to empower consumers to make better use of their food. The law also benefits food banks, which often discard items with “sell by” dates despite their usability. “Food banks in California have struggled with this issue,” Lapis said. “People assume that a ‘sell by’ date means the food is no longer safe, when in reality, it’s still good for consumption.”
With the new labels, consumers will have more confidence in their ability to judge food quality. For example, “Best if Used By” will indicate when a product is at its peak freshness, while “Use By” will signal the last date it should be consumed for safety. This distinction helps prevent unnecessary disposal and ensures that food remains accessible for longer. As more states adopt similar measures, the U.S. could move toward a standardized labeling system that reduces waste and supports sustainable practices. The debate over food expiration dates, once confined to individual kitchens, is now shaping policies that impact entire communities and ecosystems.
