CA Bans Sell By Labels On Food, Ending Consumer Confusion

California has taken a significant step towards reducing food waste and addressing consumer confusion by banning the use of "sell by" labels on food products. This innovative move, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, is aimed at-standardizing food labeling and ensuring that consumers make informed decisions about the freshness and safety of their groceries.

The Problem with "Sell By" Labels

For years, "sell by" labels have been a source of frustration for consumers. These labels are often misunderstood as indicating the safety and quality of food, when in reality, they serve a different purpose entirely. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a "sell by" date is not a safety date; it merely tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory management.

The lack of standardization in these labels has led to widespread confusion, with many consumers throwing away perfectly good food because they believe it has reached its expiration date. This confusion has contributed significantly to the staggering amount of food waste in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that nearly 20% of the nation's food waste is directly linked to these misleading labels.

The New Law: A Step Towards Clarity

AB 660, authored by Democratic Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, is the first law of its kind in the United States. This legislation aims to reduce both food waste and consumer confusion by mandating the use of two clear and standardized labels: "Best if Used By" and "Use By".

"Best if Used By" Label

The "Best if Used By" label will indicate the optimal quality of the food. This label will signal when the product is at its peak quality and when consumers can expect the best taste and texture. It is essential for manufacturers to use this label consistently, ensuring that consumers understand what they are getting.

"Use By" Label

The "Use By" label will signify the safety date of the product. This label will indicate when the food could potentially become unsafe to consume, providing clear guidance for consumers to make safe choices. Manufacturers will be required to use this label accurately, ensuring that consumers know exactly when they need to discard the product for safety reasons.

Exemptions

The law includes exemptions for certain items like eggs, beer, and other malt beverages. These products have specific guidelines and regulations that differ from the general food labeling standards. The exemptions ensure that these products are not unfairly impacted by the new labeling requirements.

Implementation and Impact

The new law will take effect in July 2026, giving manufacturers ample time to adjust their labeling practices. Once implemented, stores will be required to display "Packed On" labels on prepared food items, adding another layer of transparency for consumers.

The impact of this law is expected to be significant. By reducing food waste and clarifying labeling standards, California aims to prevent millions of tons of edible food from being discarded each year. According to Assemblymember Irwin, this legislation is "a monumental step to keep money in the pockets of consumers while helping the environment and the planet".

Potential Benefits

The benefits of this legislation extend beyond just consumer confidence and environmental impact. By standardizing food labeling, manufacturers will also face reduced legal liabilities and regulatory challenges. As Nina Sevilla with the Natural Resources Defense Council points out, "California has such a large market share that we do think this will push manufacturers. The hope is that California serves as a model either for other states or ultimately to push action at the federal level".

Consumer Perspective

For consumers like Jasmine Acosta, who has worked in the grocery industry and understands the confusion surrounding food labels, the new law is a welcome change. "It’s confusing to most consumers," Acosta said. "It would obviously help everybody try to be on the same spectrum and make sure everything’s able to be used by the consumers, or if not it’s just a waste of money".

Next Steps

While California is pioneering this initiative, there is hope that other states and the federal government will follow suit. Advocates argue that the widespread implementation of standardized food labeling could significantly reduce food waste nationwide. Erica Parker with Californians Against Waste emphasizes that "food waste rates are not decreasing, they’re increasing," underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in food labeling practices.

Conclusion

California's decision to ban "sell by" labels on food products is a significant milestone in the fight against food waste and consumer confusion. By introducing clear and standardized labeling, the state aims to ensure that consumers make informed decisions about the freshness and safety of their groceries. This innovative approach not only benefits consumers but also contributes to a more sustainable food system.

As we move forward, it is essential to continue advocating for consistent and transparent labeling practices across all states and at the federal level. By doing so, we can significantly reduce the staggering amount of food waste and ensure that every meal is enjoyed without unnecessary confusion or guilt.

---

References

• California becomes first state to ban 'sell by' and 'best before' labels - [Reddit Discussion] (https://www.reddit.com/r/California/comments/1fwdrq6/california_becomes_first_state_to_ban_sell_by_and/)
• California bans misleading 'sell by' food labels - [Fast Company] (https://www.fastcompany.com/91201682/california-just-banned-these-misleading-food-labels-first-nation)
• California becomes first state to ban 'sell-by' dates on food packaging - [KSby] (https://www.ksby.com/life/food-and-drink/california-becomes-first-state-to-ban-sell-by-dates-on-food-packaging)
• CA Bans 'Sell By' Labels On Food, Ending 'Consumer Confusion' - [Patch] (https://patch.com/california/across-ca/ca-bans-sell-labels-food-ending-consumer-confusion)
• Is the food in the fridge still good? California wants to end the confusion - [Washington Post] (https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/10/01/california-ban-sell-by-stickers-prevent-food-waste/8802b732-802e-11ef-90f2-d1fc6303655d_story.html)