California eliminates 'sell by' dates, adopts standard food labels

California became the first U.S. state to ban the use of "sell by" dates on packaged food. The new law, authored by Democratic Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, requires manufacturers to use either a "Best if Used By" label for peak quality, a "Use By" label for safety, or both, replacing the confusing array of more than 50 date terms that have long led consumers to discard edible food.

The measure is intended to curb household food waste – an estimated six million tons of unexpired food are thrown away each year in California, roughly 20% of the nation’s total waste. Advocates say the change will also ease donation to food banks and reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions. Similar legislation has passed in New York and is pending in several other states, while a bipartisan bill seeking a national standard is moving through Congress.