Starting July 1, a new California law will eliminate the use of “sell by” dates on most packaged foods sold within the state. The legislation, known as Assembly Bill 660, introduces a standardized labeling system intended to reduce food waste and clarify the meaning of date labels for consumers.

Under the new requirements, food manufacturers and retailers in California will no longer use varied phrases such as “sell by,” “freshest by,” or “expires on.” Instead, products will primarily display one of two labels: “BEST if Used by” or “USE by.” The “BEST if Used by” label signals the period during which the product is expected to maintain its highest quality or flavor, while the “USE by” label serves as an indicator of the date by which the product should be consumed for safety reasons.

The law also allows for abbreviated versions of these labels—“BB” for “BEST if Used by” and “UB” for “USE by”—to be used on smaller packaging or certain beverage containers, providing flexibility for retailers and manufacturers.

Supporters of the law, including consumer advocates and food waste reduction organizations, argue that the move addresses widespread confusion among shoppers who often interpret quality-based dates as strict expiration deadlines. This misinterpretation can lead to premature disposal of food that remains safe to consume, contributing to substantial avoidable waste.

The legislation applies statewide, making California the first state to implement such a comprehensive food labeling reform. Retailers and manufacturers have been preparing for the transition, updating packaging and educating consumers about the new date labeling system to ensure a smooth adjustment once the law takes effect.

By streamlining food date labels, California aims to cultivate clearer communication around food safety and quality, potentially serving as a model for similar efforts nationwide.