California bans ‘sell by’ food labels to cut food waste and confusion

California Bans ‘Sell By’ Food Labels to Cut Waste and Confusion

California bans sell by food labels – California has taken a significant step toward reducing food waste by implementing a new law that eliminates the use of “sell by” labels on packaged foods. Effective Wednesday, this legislation requires food producers to replace the outdated “sell by” designation with two standardized labels: “Best if Used By” for quality and “Use By” for safety. The change aims to clarify when food is at its peak freshness versus when it’s no longer safe to consume, addressing a longstanding issue that has confused households and contributed to millions of tons of uneaten food ending up in landfills annually.

The Confusion Behind Dates

For many families, the meaning of “sell by” dates has been a source of disagreement. Kimberley Kausen, a chef and cooking instructor in Irvine, California, recalls how her daughter interprets the date as a signal to discard the milk, while her husband believes it merely indicates the product is still usable for a few days. Kausen, who often checks the smell of milk before deciding its fate, notes that the ambiguity surrounding these dates has led to inconsistent behavior among consumers. “I’ll put some thought into it, and if we’re talking about meat and poultry, I’m very cautious about that and for sure will do the smell test and the touch test,” she explained. This divide highlights a broader problem: the lack of clear guidance on food dates has created uncertainty about when to eat or throw away groceries.

“I’ll put some thought into it, and if we’re talking about meat and poultry, I’m very cautious about that and for sure will do the smell test and the touch test,” said Kimberley Kausen, a chef and cooking teacher in Irvine, California.

Standardizing Labels for Clarity

The new law, signed by Democratic Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, seeks to standardize labeling practices across the state. While manufacturers can still use either “Best if Used By” or “Use By” labels, the goal is to unify terminology so that consumers can better understand the meaning behind each date. “We don’t need to build some kind of huge infrastructure and invest tons of money to solve this. We just need companies to use the same words across brands,” emphasized Nick Lapis, director of advocacy at Californians Against Waste, a group that supported the bill. This shift is expected to ease the burden on shoppers and help households make more informed decisions about food storage and consumption.

Broader Impact on Food Waste

California’s decision comes as part of a growing national movement to combat food waste. A 2022 report by the University of Maryland identified over 50 different date labels on packaged foods, many of which are not tied to safety but rather to quality. Kumar Chandran, policy director at ReFED, a nonprofit focused on reducing food waste, pointed out that this inconsistency has caused consumers to misinterpret labels, often discarding food prematurely. “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,’” he said. The law is projected to save families over $1,000 annually by minimizing unnecessary disposal of edible food.

“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.

State and Federal Efforts

California is now the first U.S. state to adopt standardized food labeling, setting a precedent for others to follow. Similar legislation has been approved in New York, with Governor Kathy Hochul yet to sign it, and proposals are pending in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and South Carolina. Despite these efforts, a national standard remains elusive. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommended a decade ago that food sellers adopt “Best if Used By” labels, but federal regulations only apply to infant formula. As a result, consumer confusion persists, with the Food and Drug Administration estimating that nearly 20% of food waste in the U.S. stems from misread labels.

Food Banks and Consumer Behavior

The change in labeling is particularly beneficial for food banks, which often struggle to distribute food that has passed “sell by” dates. Nick Lapis highlighted that many people mistakenly assume such dates indicate expiration, leading to food being discarded even when it’s still safe. In California, this misinterpretation has contributed to approximately 6 million tons of unexpired food being thrown away each year. “Food labels are the leading cause of household food waste,” Lapis stated. By creating a uniform system, the law aims to reduce this loss and ensure that more food reaches those in need.

A Step Toward National Consensus

The law’s implementation has bolstered momentum for a national standard, with bipartisan legislation currently under consideration in Congress. If passed, such a standard would help address the nationwide issue of label inconsistency, which has been a barrier to effective food waste reduction. California’s experience with the new labels demonstrates how clarity can lead to measurable change. While some grocers initially faced challenges in updating their systems, the California Grocers Association has expressed overall support for the transition. “The new labels will result in a win-win where we can reduce food waste and consumers will find these decisions a little bit simpler,” said Nate Rose, a spokesperson for the association. He also noted that older “sell by” labels will remain in stores for months, as retailers work to clear existing stock.

Why the Change Matters

The shift from “sell by” to standardized labels represents more than just a linguistic update—it’s a cultural change in how people view food. By replacing vague dates with clear indicators of quality and safety, California hopes to empower consumers to make better use of their groceries. This approach aligns with the state’s broader efforts to cut climate-warming emissions, as food waste is a major contributor to methane emissions from landfills. The law also reflects a growing awareness of the economic and environmental costs of food waste, with advocates arguing that the cost savings for households could be substantial.

While the law may not resolve all issues related to food waste, it is a crucial first step. By addressing the root cause of confusion—ambiguous labels—it provides a framework for more consistent consumer behavior. As other states consider similar measures, California’s success could serve as a model for nationwide reform. The ultimate goal is to create a system where food dates are clear, meaningful, and aligned with both safety and sustainability, ensuring that no edible food is needlessly wasted.