CA Bans 'Sell By' Labels On Food, Ending 'Consumer Confusion'

CALIFORNIA — Among hundreds of new bills signed into law last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom approved one that bans "Sell By" dates on food items sold at stores in California — the first law of its kind in the U.S.

Such labels often confuse consumers and result in food products being thrown out well before they expire. Scroll down to take our survey on the topic below.

AB 660, authored by Rep. Jacqui Irwin (D-Encino), aims to reduce food waste by standardizing the use of "Best if Used By" and "Use By" and prohibiting confusing labels with dates that have nothing to do with the food's quality.

"Having to wonder whether our food is still good is an issue that we all have struggled with," Irwin said. "Today’s signing of AB 660 is a monumental step to keep money in the pockets of consumers while helping the environment and the planet."

Such labels have drawn scrutiny as awareness around the problem of food waste continues to grow. "Use By" and "Best Before" labels may encourage consumers to throw away food that is not expired.

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.

After July 1, 2026, AB 660 will require stores to display "Packed On" labels on prepared food items. In addition, labels indicating the quality or safety — "Best By" or "Best If Used By" — will be mandatory, according to the bill. "Use by" or "Freeze by" will be allowed to indicate the safety date of the item.

The new law will also limit the refrigerated shelf life of food goods to no more than 30 calendar days from packaging to consumption, except the time the product is maintained frozen, or the original safety date — whichever occurs first.

Violating the California Retail Food Code generally results in a misdemeanor, according to the bill.

"I am grateful for the Governor’s signature of this first-in-the-nation bill to end the consumer confusion around expiration date labels that so many of us have experienced,” Irwin said.

Along with AB 660, the Democratic governor signed at least seven other laws that target food safety and quality.

2316 AB, for example, prohibits schools from serving and selling foods containing synthetic food dye or additives that have been linked to health issues in children. Such additives have been tied to cancer, immune system damage, neurobehavioral issues and hyperactivity, the state said.

"Our health is inextricably tied to the food we eat – but fresh, healthy foods aren’t always available or affordable for families. Today, we are refusing to accept the status quo, and making it possible for everyone, including school kids, to access nutritious, delicious food without harmful, and often addictive additives," Newsom wrote in a statement.

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