California Bans ‘Sell By’ Labels to Reduce Food Waste and Consumer Confusion
California bans sell by food labels – California has taken a bold step toward tackling food waste by implementing a new labeling law that eliminates the use of “sell by” dates on food packaging. This change aims to address the persistent ambiguity that has long plagued shoppers, who often misinterpret these dates as signals for disposal rather than guidelines for shelf life. The law, which took effect Wednesday, replaces the outdated “sell by” labels with two standardized options: “Best if Used By” for quality and “Use By” for safety. This shift is part of a broader effort to align food labeling with scientific standards and reduce the environmental and economic toll of premature food discards.
A Kitchen Debate on Food Dates
In Irvine, California, the confusion over food dates has become a household conversation. Kimberley Kausen, a chef and cooking instructor, recalls how a single “sell by” date on a milk jug could spark disagreements among her family. Her daughter might interpret it as an expiration signal, while her husband sees it as a reminder to consume the milk within a few days. Kausen, however, takes a more deliberate approach. She relies on her senses, checking the smell and texture of food before deciding its fate. “I’ll think about it carefully, especially with meat and poultry, where I always do the smell and touch test,” she explained.
Such debates are common across the U.S., where inconsistent date labels have created a patchwork of guidance for consumers. The new law in California seeks to simplify this by unifying the terminology used on packaging. By replacing “sell by” with “Best if Used By” and “Use By,” the state hopes to clarify that food labeled with the former is still safe to eat beyond the date, while the latter signifies the optimal time for consumption. This distinction is crucial, as many consumers mistakenly assume “sell by” dates indicate when food becomes unsafe.
Standardized Labels and National Momentum
Democratic Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, the architect of the bill, emphasized that manufacturers in California now have the flexibility to use either of the two new labels or both. This dual labeling system is designed to provide more precise information, reducing the guesswork that leads to unnecessary waste. The law is notable as the first of its kind in the U.S., setting a precedent for other states to follow. New York lawmakers recently passed a similar measure, awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s approval, which has reignited discussions about federal standardization.
Experts argue that the proliferation of over 50 different date labels on packaged food has contributed significantly to consumer confusion. A 2022 report by the University of Maryland highlighted the lack of regulation in this area, noting that many labels do not correlate with actual food safety. Nick Lapis, director of advocacy at Californians Against Waste, a group that co-sponsored the bill, pointed out that these labels are a major cause of household waste. “People often discard food based on the dates rather than its condition, and this habit affects food banks too,” he said. “When people see ‘sell by’ dates, they assume the food is expired, even if it’s still safe to eat.”
Kumar Chandran, policy director at ReFED, a nonprofit dedicated to combating food waste, praised the initiative as a catalyst for national change. “The passage of laws in California and New York has created momentum for a unified labeling system,” he noted. “This could lead to a nationwide standard that addresses the root of the problem.” The USDA had recommended shifting to “Best if Used By” labels a decade ago, but federal action has lagged. Currently, only infant formula is federally regulated with date labels, leaving most foods to their own interpretations.
Industry Response and Long-Term Impact
The California Grocers Association, which supported the change, acknowledged the transition’s challenges. “Some retailers had to update their labeling systems, but the overall response has been positive,” said Nate Rose, a spokesperson for the association. He added that older “sell by” labels will remain in stores for months as suppliers work to phase them out. “Consumers will still encounter these labels, but the new ones will gradually replace them, offering clearer guidance for future purchases.”
The law’s potential impact is significant. The FDA estimates that date labels contribute to nearly 20% of the nation’s food waste, with California alone discarding about 6 million tons of unexpired food annually. By standardizing labels, the state aims to mitigate this issue. “When consumers understand the difference between quality and safety dates, they’re less likely to toss food prematurely,” said Chandran. The legislation also positions California as a leader in the fight against climate-warming emissions, as reducing food waste directly lowers methane emissions from landfills.
Broader Implications for Food Policy
While California’s law is groundbreaking, it is part of a growing movement across the country. Similar proposals have been introduced in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and South Carolina, though none have yet passed. These efforts reflect a shared goal among lawmakers and advocates to address the complex issue of food waste, which costs the U.S. billions of dollars each year. The debate over labeling has also sparked conversations about the role of government in shaping consumer behavior and the need for clearer communication in everyday decisions.
For Kimberley Kausen, the change is a welcome development. “I hope this will help people like me make more informed choices,” she said. By eliminating the ambiguity of “sell by” dates, the law empowers consumers to assess food freshness based on reliable criteria. This shift not only benefits households but also supports food banks and reduces the environmental burden of waste. As California and New York move forward with their policies, the hope is that the U.S. will eventually adopt a national standard, ensuring consistency and clarity for all food consumers.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
“Consumers get confused and default to assuming that whatever date is on the package means ‘don’t eat it and throw it away.’” — Kumar Chandran, policy director at ReFED
“We don’t need to build a huge infrastructure or invest heavily to solve this. Companies just need to use the same words across brands.” — Nick Lapis, director of advocacy at Californians Against Waste
These insights underscore the importance of language in shaping perception. By standardizing labels, California is not only streamlining the shopping experience but also fostering a culture of mindful consumption. As the law takes effect, its success will depend on consumer education and the willingness of food producers to adapt. The hope is that this initiative will pave the way for broader changes, ultimately reducing waste and saving resources nationwide.
