Food labels changed across California on July 1 as a new statewide law officially took effect. The updated requirements introduce standardized date labels designed to reduce food waste while helping consumers better understand product freshness and safety.
Under the new rules, food manufacturers can no longer use “sell by” labels on food packaging. Instead, companies must use either “best if used by,” “use by,” or both, depending on the purpose of the date displayed. Officials believe these clearer labels will reduce confusion and improve purchasing decisions.
The phrase “best if used by” identifies the period when a product maintains its highest quality. Meanwhile, the label “use by” indicates the recommended date for product safety. State lawmakers expect these consistent terms to help shoppers distinguish between food quality and food safety more easily.
Supporters of the legislation argue many consumers misunderstand traditional expiration dates on food packaging. Consequently, people often throw away products that remain perfectly safe to eat. Officials believe clearer language can encourage households to reduce unnecessary waste without compromising public health.
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who introduced the legislation, said the updated labeling system offers practical benefits for families, businesses, and the environment. She explained that standardized wording makes shopping decisions easier while helping reduce avoidable food waste throughout California.
Experts studying food policy have also supported the changes. They note that manufacturers have historically used different phrases without any nationwide standard governing food date labels. As a result, shoppers frequently interpreted every printed date as a strict safety deadline instead of guidance about product quality.
According to food policy specialists, this misunderstanding developed over many years as different manufacturers adopted inconsistent labeling practices. Consequently, consumers often assumed food became unsafe immediately after reaching the printed date. Researchers believe this widespread confusion contributes significantly to unnecessary household food waste.
The information displayed through these date labels generally does not determine whether food remains safe for consumption. Instead, manufacturers often use many dates simply to indicate when products achieve their best taste, texture, or overall quality. Nevertheless, many shoppers continue discarding edible food because of incorrect assumptions.
Organizations working to reduce food waste welcomed California’s new labeling requirements. They argue consistent wording will help consumers make informed decisions while reducing unnecessary disposal of edible products. Furthermore, clearer labels may also lower food waste throughout supply chains and retail stores.
State environmental officials estimate Californians discard billions of meals worth of wholesome food every year. Much of this food eventually reaches landfills despite remaining suitable for consumption. Therefore, reducing confusion surrounding package dates could significantly decrease waste while supporting environmental sustainability.
Food waste also creates broader environmental challenges because discarded products occupy valuable landfill space. Additionally, decomposing food generates emissions that contribute to environmental concerns. Supporters believe reducing unnecessary waste benefits both households and long-term sustainability efforts across the state.
California became the first state to establish standardized food date labeling requirements after lawmakers approved the legislation in 2024. Governor Gavin Newsom later signed the measure into law, allowing businesses time to prepare before implementation began this summer.
Several other states have introduced similar proposals seeking greater consistency in food packaging labels. Maryland, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Illinois, and New Jersey have all considered legislation addressing food date standards. However, those proposals have not yet completed the legislative process.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in New York approved similar legislation, although it still awaits final approval from Governor Kathy Hochul. If signed, New York would become another state adopting standardized food date labeling requirements aimed at reducing waste and improving consumer understanding.
As California begins enforcing its updated Food labels requirements, businesses, consumers, and policymakers will monitor the results closely. Officials hope clearer packaging language will reduce unnecessary food disposal while encouraging informed purchasing decisions. If successful, California’s approach could influence additional states considering similar reforms in the future.
