NewsNBC Bay Area — Local NewsJuly 1, 2026United States
California Bans 'Sell By' Food Labels to Reduce Waste
California has implemented a new law requiring standardized food labels to reduce consumer confusion and food waste. Manufacturers must now use 'Best if Used By' for quality and 'Use By' for safety, replacing the unregulated 'sell by' labels.
Read the full story at NBC Bay Area — Local NewsWhy It Matters
Starting Wednesday, food manufacturers selling products in California must replace '' labels with standardized '' or '' language to clarify food safety and quality for consumers.
Key Facts
- California law now bans 'sell by' labels on food packaging.
- Manufacturers must use 'Best if Used By' for peak quality and 'Use By' for safety.
- The law aims to reduce food waste and climate-warming emissions.
- California is the first U.S. state to standardize food labels.
- There were previously more than 50 different date labels used on packaged food.
- The FDA reports that date label confusion accounts for nearly 20% of U.S. food waste.
- Approximately 6 million tons of unexpired food are discarded in California annually.
- The only food product currently regulated federally for date labels is infant formula.
- Grocers are permitted to sell through existing inventory, meaning old labels will remain in stores for months.
- New York has passed similar legislation currently awaiting the Governor's signature.
Who's Mentioned
personKumar Chandran“Policy director at ReFED, a nonprofit focused on reducing food waste.”locationCalifornia“The state implementing the new food labeling law.”personNate Rose“Spokesperson for the California Grocers Association.”organizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Recommended 'Best if Used By' labeling a decade ago.”organizationUniversity of Maryland“Published a 2022 report on food waste.”organizationCalifornia Grocers Association“Industry group supporting the labeling change.”personKathy Hochul“Governor of New York, currently considering similar food labeling legislation.”locationNew York“State that has approved similar legislation awaiting the Governor's signature.”personJacqui Irwin“Democratic Assemblymember and author of the food labeling bill.”organizationFood and Drug Administration“Reported that date label confusion contributes to nearly 20% of the nation's foo”personNick Lapis“Director of advocacy at Californians Against Waste.”personKimberley Kausen“A chef and cooking teacher in Irvine, California, who discusses food labeling ha”other50“Number of different date labels identified on packaged food in a 2022 report.”