Decoding Food Expiration Dates: California's Groundbreaking Legislation

In a move to empower consumers and reduce food waste, California has enacted a pioneering law that standardizes the language used on food expiration labels. This landmark legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to eliminate the confusion surrounding "sell by," "best before," and other ambiguous date indicators, providing Californians with clearer and more accurate information about the safety and quality of their food.

Empowering Consumers, Reducing Waste

Standardizing Expiration Date Language

The new California law, known as AB 660, mandates the use of two distinct date labels: "best if used by" and "use by." The "best if used by" date indicates the peak quality of a food item, while the "use by" stamp relates to product safety. This standardization aims to eliminate the confusion that often arises from the myriad of date labels currently in use, which can lead to the unnecessary disposal of perfectly edible food.

According to the bill's author, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, the legislation addresses a common issue that many consumers have grappled with. "Having to wonder whether our food is still good is an issue that we all have struggled with," Irwin stated. "I am grateful for the governor's signature of this first-in-the-nation bill to end the consumer confusion around expiration date labels that so many of us have experienced."

The new law is expected to have a significant impact on reducing food waste in California. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that approximately 20% of food waste is attributed to misunderstandings related to date labeling. Well-intentioned consumers, unsure of the true meaning behind the various date labels, often err on the side of caution and discard food that may still be safe and of good quality.

Potential for Nationwide Impact

The California food label law is poised to have a ripple effect beyond the state's borders. As the nation's most populous state and a major market for food manufacturers, California's influence could spur other states, or even the federal government, to follow suit.

"California has such a large market share that we do think this will push manufacturers," said Nina Sevilla, a bill co-sponsor from the Natural Resources Defense Council, as reported by Fortune. "The hope is that California serves as a model either for other states or ultimately to push action at the federal level."

If the law proves successful in reducing food waste, it could inspire a nationwide movement towards more transparent and consumer-friendly food labeling practices. This could have far-reaching implications, not only for the environment but also for household budgets and food security.

Exceptions and Additional Legislation

While the new California law covers a wide range of food products, it does include some exceptions. Eggs and beer, as well as other malt beverages, are exempt from the new date labeling requirements. Additionally, Governor Newsom recently signed a separate bill banning all plastic shopping bags from grocery store checkouts, further demonstrating the state's commitment to environmental sustainability and consumer protection.

The California food label law is set to take effect in July 2026, giving food manufacturers and retailers ample time to update their packaging and distribution practices to comply with the new standards. As the state leads the way in this important consumer protection initiative, the rest of the nation will be watching closely to see the impact and potential for broader adoption.