California Law Targets Confusing Food Date Labels to Cut Waste

More than 80% of U.S. consumers throw away food once the printed date passes, even though the labels mostly indicate quality, not safety. A 2019 study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and research from the University of Maryland identified over 50 different date terms used across the country, creating widespread confusion.

Effective July 1, California enacted a law banning "Sell‑By" labels and requiring manufacturers to use only two standardized dates: a "Best If Used By" label for quality and a "Use By" label for safety. Food safety experts such as Donald Schaffner (Rutgers University) and food scientist Rachel Zemser say many products remain safe well beyond these dates, especially unopened canned and shelf‑stable items. The new labeling aims to reduce unnecessary food waste and help consumers rely on sensory cues rather than misleading dates.