California has enacted Assembly Bill 660, a groundbreaking law that bans “sell-by” dates on packaged foods to combat food waste.
Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024, the law mandates food manufacturers to use a uniform labeling system with only two phrases: “BEST if Used by” for peak quality and “USE by” for food safety. This change aims to prevent households from discarding edible food prematurely and reduce the amount of food waste entering landfills.
The legislation, effective July 1, seeks to save families money and address environmental concerns by clarifying food expiration labels. According to Fox LA, the law prohibits varied and confusing terms on consumer-facing packaging, promoting a clear distinction between food quality and safety.
While the policy is clear on manufacturer requirements, it remains uncertain how strictly local agencies will enforce compliance. As reported by Yahoo News, there is ambiguity about the penalties for non-compliant retailers.
Ahead of the enforcement deadline, food brands and processors must update their packaging to align with the new rules. Shoppers are encouraged to understand that items past their “BEST if Used by” date are still safe to consume, while “USE by” dates are critical for safety.
This initiative positions California as a leader in food waste reduction, with the potential to influence similar policies nationwide. For more details on the legislative text, visit California’s official legislative site.
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