California has become the first state nationwide to ban “sell-by” dates on food packaging to combat food waste and consumer confusion.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 660 into law, setting a new standard for food labeling to reduce unnecessary waste and save consumers money.1 This innovative legislation will reshape how Californians interpret food freshness and safety, potentially influencing similar changes across the country.
Here is how a simple change in labeling could lead to significant environmental and economic impacts, potentially reshaping how the nation thinks about food expiration dates.
A New Era for Food Labels
Starting July 1, 2026, Californians might have noticed a significant change in their grocery store aisles. Gone will be the confusing array of date labels that have puzzled shoppers.
In their place, a simplified system will emerge, featuring just two key phrases: “Best if Used By” and “Use By.”
This streamlined approach is designed to provide clear guidance to consumers. “Best if Used By” will indicate when a product is at its peak quality, while “Use By” will serve as a true expiration date for safety concerns.
Eliminating ambiguous terms like “sell by” and “best before” is expected to prevent the premature disposal of perfectly edible food, addressing a major contributor to food waste.
The Impact on Food Waste
Food waste is a staggering problem in the United States. California’s new law aims to reduce this by clarifying date labels. With this, consumers will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their food’s freshness and safety.
The impact of this change could be substantial:
- Reduction in household food waste
- Decreased environmental impact from food production and disposal
- Potential savings for consumers who may have been prematurely discarding edible food
This simple change in labeling could lead to a ripple effect of positive outcomes, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to alleviating food insecurity.
Consumer Education & Adaptation
As with any significant change, California consumers will need to adjust for a period of time. The state plans to launch educational campaigns to help residents understand the new labeling system and make the most of their groceries.
Key points of the consumer education initiative will include:
- Understanding the difference between quality dates and safety dates
- Learning to trust sensory cues (sight, smell, taste) to determine food freshness
- Proper food storage techniques to maximize shelf life
Retailers and food manufacturers will also play a crucial role in this transition, updating their packaging and potentially their inventory management systems to comply with the new regulations.
National Implications & Industry Response
California’s bold move is already sparking discussions across the country. As the most populous state and a major agricultural producer, California’s policies often set trends that ripple throughout the nation.
Other states are watching closely, with some considering similar legislation to standardize food date labeling.
The food industry’s response has been mixed. While some companies welcome the change as an opportunity to reduce waste and improve consumer trust, others express concerns about the costs of implementing new labeling systems.
However, many industry leaders recognize the potential long-term benefits of a more straightforward dating system, including reduced liability and improved customer satisfaction.
As California prepares to implement this law, the nation’s eyes are on the Golden State. The success of this initiative could pave the way for a national standard, revolutionizing Americans’ thinking about food freshness and waste.
With the 2026 implementation date approaching, California is poised to lead the fight against food waste, one label at a time.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.