What's happened
California has moved to standardize consumer-facing food date labels, banning “sell by” dates and introducing two main labels: “Best if Used By” for quality and “Use By” for safety. The change aims to reduce food waste and climate-warming emissions, with New York pursuing a similar path. Implementation begins July 1, 2026, with some older stock remaining in stores during the transition.
What's behind the headline?
Key takeaways
- California now requires standard labels: “Best if Used By” and “Use By,” eliminating most consumer-facing “Sell By” dates.
- New York has moved similarly, signaling momentum toward a potential national standard.
- The change targets consumer confusion that contributes to roughly 20% of U.S. food waste, with California alone discarding millions of tons annually.
What’s changing this week
- Stores are transitioning to two labels for new products; older stock may still carry old labels.
- Grocers and manufacturers are adjusting labeling systems to align across brands.
Who’s affected
- Consumers see fewer labels and clearer guidance on quality versus safety.
- Food banks note potential improvements in waste reduction, though transitional challenges remain.
Why this matters
- Clearing label confusion can curb waste, reduce emissions, and simplify shopping decisions for households across the state.
How we got here
California has enacted a 2024 law to standardize food date labeling, addressing over 50 current date phrases that have confused shoppers and contributed to food waste. New York has approved a similar measure, awaiting governor’s signature. The approach relies on two labels to reflect quality and safety, removing consumer-facing “Sell By” dates. The policy is part of broader efforts to cut waste and emissions, while federal regulation remains limited to infant formula.
Our analysis
AP News, Independent (UK), New York Post, AFP/Getty, California Department of Food and Agriculture, ReFED, University of Maryland report.
Go deeper
- Do you expect other states to adopt similar standards soon?
- How will stores handle old stock during the transition?
- Could federal labeling standards follow California and New York’s moves?
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