California Is Saying Goodbye to “Sell-By” Dates in an Effort to Reduce Food Waste

If you've ever tossed out food because the "sell-by" date had passed, California wants you to think twice.

A new state law is changing the way expiration dates appear on food packaging, with the goal of reducing confusion and keeping perfectly good food out of landfills.

What's Changing?

Under Assembly Bill 660, California is eliminating consumer-facing "sell-by" labels on packaged foods. The law aims to create a simpler and more consistent system that helps shoppers better understand when food is actually unsafe versus when it may simply be past its peak quality.

Instead of a variety of labels that can be interpreted differently, manufacturers will now be required to use just two standardized phrases:

• "BEST if Used by" – Indicates when a product is expected to be at its highest quality, flavor, or freshness.
• "USE by" – Reserved strictly for food safety and signals when a product should no longer be consumed.

Why the Change?

State lawmakers say confusing date labels are a major contributor to food waste. Many consumers mistakenly believe foods become unsafe immediately after a "sell-by" or similar date, leading them to throw away products that are still perfectly edible.

By standardizing food date labels, California hopes to prevent billions of pounds of unnecessary food waste while also helping families save money on groceries.

When Does the New Rule Take Effect?

The new labeling requirements will be fully implemented by July 1, 2026. Food manufacturers and packaging companies that sell products in California are currently updating their packaging to comply with the new rules before the deadline arrives.

What Shoppers Need to Know

As the transition begins, consumers should pay attention to the difference between the two approved labels.

A product that has passed its "BEST if Used by" date may not be at its freshest, but it is generally still safe to eat. The "USE by" date, however, should be treated as a food safety guideline and taken more seriously when deciding whether to consume an item.

The hope is that these clearer labels will help Californians make smarter decisions in the kitchen, waste less food, and save money in the process.

Bottom line: The familiar "sell-by" date is disappearing in California, replaced by a simpler system designed to help consumers understand what dates really mean—and keep more food on the table instead of in the trash.