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.

Father's Day 2026: Where Dad Can Score Free Food, Discounts, and Special Deals

Father's Day is almost here, and if you're still looking for a way to celebrate Dad without breaking the bank, plenty of restaurants and retailers are offering special deals, freebies, and discounts this weekend.

Whether Dad loves barbecue, burgers, breakfast, or just a good doughnut, there's something for everyone.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Fire up Father's Day with some barbecue. Dickey's is offering 15% off orders of $75 or more from June 18-21 when customers use promo code DAD85 through the restaurant's website or app.

IHOP

Breakfast-loving dads can take advantage of several Father's Day promotions at IHOP. The restaurant is featuring special Father's Day catering options, offering $5 bonus cards for every $25 gift card purchased, and new online customers can save 20% off their first online order using promo code IHOP20.

Round Table Pizza

Pizza-loving dads can enjoy a family meal deal. Round Table Pizza is offering a special package that includes a Montague's All Meat Marvel Pizza and two shareable appetizers for $29.99 with promo code RTP878.

White Castle

White Castle is celebrating dads all weekend long with a buy-one-get-one free combo meal deal running June 20-22.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Need a caffeine fix? Participating locations are offering a buy-one-get-one free beverage deal for Father's Day.

Krispy Kreme

For dads with a sweet tooth, Krispy Kreme has brought back its limited-edition Father's Day Dozen, featuring themed doughnuts available through June 21. Customers can also preorder the special collection online.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral is serving up a Father's Day buffet loaded with grilled favorites. Rewards members who dine on Father's Day will also receive a coupon for $5 off a future purchase of $25 or more.

Jason's Deli

Members of the Deli Dollars Rewards program can receive a free dessert with purchase on Father's Day. The chain is also offering bonus gift card promotions.

More Deals to Watch For

Several other chains are expected to offer Father's Day promotions, including:

• Wendy's
• Shake Shack
• Raising Cane's
• Subway
• Papa Johns
• Burger King
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Buca di Beppo
• TGI Fridays

Many of these offers may require loyalty program membership or app participation, so be sure to check with your local restaurant before heading out.

Don't Wait Too Long

Many Father's Day deals are available only on Sunday, June 21, while others run through the entire weekend. Some offers are limited to participating locations and may require online ordering, app registration, or rewards membership.

If Dad enjoys good food, this might be the perfect excuse to let someone else do the cooking while taking advantage of some tasty savings.

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California health officials are reminding residents to stay vigilant against ticks after confirming a rare tick-borne illness in a Northern California resident earlier this year.

The patient was diagnosed in April with Rickettsia lanei, an extremely uncommon bacterial infection that shares similarities with Rocky Mountain spotted fever. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the individual was hospitalized but has since made a full recovery.

What makes this case particularly noteworthy is just how rare the illness is. Health officials say only four cases have ever been documented worldwide, with three of those occurring in California. Previous California cases were reported in 2004 and 2023.

Symptoms associated with Rickettsia lanei can include fever, headaches, skin rashes, and other potentially serious complications if left untreated. Officials have not released additional details about the patient's symptoms, length of hospitalization, or exact location, citing privacy concerns. They did confirm that the individual both lived and worked in Northern California.

The bacteria belong to the "spotted fever group" of Rickettsia, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Experts warn that tick activity is especially high during the summer months, increasing the risk of exposure for people spending time outdoors.

In California, three tick species are known to carry bacteria capable of causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever in both humans and dogs:

• American dog tick
• Pacific Coast tick
• Brown dog tick

The Pacific Coast tick can also transmit Pacific Coast tick fever, another tick-borne illness found in the state.

Health officials emphasize that prevention is the best defense. If you're hiking, camping, gardening, or spending time in grassy or wooded areas, use tick repellent, wear protective clothing, and regularly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks. Because some ticks can transmit disease shortly after attaching, prompt removal is important.

While cases of Rickettsia lanei remain exceptionally rare, this latest diagnosis serves as a reminder that tick-borne diseases are a real concern in California, especially during peak tick season. Staying aware and taking simple precautions can help keep outdoor adventures safe this summer.