Revolutionizing Food Waste: California's Groundbreaking Sell-By Date Ban

In a bold move to combat food waste, California has become the first state to ban the use of "sell-by" dates on food products. Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of Assembly Bill No. 660 aims to provide clarity and consistency for consumers, ultimately reducing the amount of edible food that ends up in landfills. This innovative legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will have far-reaching implications for the food industry and the environment.

Empowering Consumers to Reduce Waste and Save Money

Standardizing Date Labels for Clarity

The new law in California mandates the use of standardized language for date labels on food products, with the exception of infant formula, eggs, beer, and malt beverages. Manufacturers, processors, and retailers will be required to use the phrases "Best if Used By" to indicate peak quality and "Use By" to designate food safety concerns. This streamlined approach will help eliminate the confusion caused by the wide range of date labels currently in use, such as "display until," "freshest by," or "best before." By providing clear and consistent information, consumers will be better equipped to make informed decisions about the food they purchase and consume, ultimately reducing unnecessary waste.

Addressing the Misconceptions Around Sell-By Dates

Surprisingly, there are no federal requirements for the language used on food date labels, aside from those for baby formula. This lack of standardization has led to widespread confusion among consumers, who often mistakenly believe that sell-by dates indicate the safety or freshness of a product. In reality, these dates are intended to inform store employees when stock needs to be rotated, and do not accurately reflect the actual consumability of the food. By shifting the focus to "Best if Used By" and "Use By" labels, the new California law aims to provide clearer guidance on when a product is at its peak quality and when it should no longer be consumed due to safety concerns.

The Significant Impact of Food Waste Reduction

The implications of this legislation go far beyond just reducing consumer confusion. Food waste is a monumental problem, with ReFED, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting food waste, estimating that approximately 78 million tons, or 33% of all food in the United States, goes to waste. In California alone, ReFED calculates that nearly 12 million tons of food were wasted in 2022. This waste not only represents a significant financial burden for households and retailers but also has a substantial environmental impact.

The Environmental Toll of Food Waste

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that food waste makes up roughly 24% of the materials discarded in landfills. As this food decomposes, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is about 28 times more potent than carbon monoxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. ReFED estimates that in 2021, surplus food accounted for 380 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which translates to 6% of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. This is the equivalent of driving 84 million passenger vehicles or powering 73 million homes' electricity.

Unlocking Substantial Savings for Consumers and the Environment

By requiring the use of consistent date labeling, ReFED estimates that the new California law will annually save 70,000 tons of food from going to waste, saving consumers $300 million. This is a significant step in the fight against food waste, which, according to Dana Gunders, the President of ReFED, accounts for $15 billion worth of food being thrown away annually due to confusion over date labels. The standardized language and clearer guidance provided by this legislation will empower consumers to make more informed decisions, ultimately reducing the environmental impact and financial burden associated with food waste.

Empowering Individuals to Make a Difference

While the California law is a significant step forward, individuals can also take small actions to reduce food waste in their own homes. Donating still-edible items to those in need and composting organic waste can make a meaningful difference. By educating themselves on the various date labels and their meanings, consumers can avoid purchasing food that needs to be thrown out or that they are unsure about. With the new standardized language in California, this process will become even more straightforward for residents of the state.The groundbreaking legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom represents a pivotal moment in the fight against food waste. By eliminating the use of sell-by dates and implementing clear, consistent labeling, California is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient food system. This innovative approach has the potential to inspire other states and even federal-level action, ultimately reducing the environmental impact and financial burden associated with this pervasive problem. As individuals and communities embrace these changes, the path towards a more sustainable future becomes clearer, one meal at a time.