Starting next month, California is set to implement a significant change in food labelling that aims to clarify the meaning behind date indicators on food products. This initiative is not only designed to reduce confusion among consumers but also to tackle the pressing issue of food waste that plagues the state.
A New Era for Food Labelling
Effective from July 1, California will enforce a new law mandating that all food products manufactured within the state display one of two simplified labels: “Best if Used by” or “Use by.” The former signifies the period during which the product is expected to maintain optimal quality, while the latter indicates when the food might no longer be safe for consumption.
This overhaul will eliminate the often-misunderstood “Sell By” dates from consumer visibility, although retailers will still be allowed to use internal coded dates to manage stock. This transition is particularly important as it aims to provide clearer guidance for shoppers, helping them make informed choices about the food they purchase.
Addressing the Food Waste Crisis
California has long struggled with food waste, with the California Department of Food and Agriculture estimating that residents discard the equivalent of 2.5 billion meals each year. The new labelling system is a crucial step in addressing this issue. According to researchers from the University of Maryland, the U.S. currently utilises over 50 different date phrases, leading to widespread misunderstanding among consumers.
Many individuals mistakenly believe that food is unsafe to eat once its date has passed, prompting unnecessary disposal of perfectly edible items. The lack of standardisation has resulted in a patchwork of labels, where manufacturers have historically chosen their own wording, further complicating the situation.
Exemptions and Enforcement
While the new regulations aim for comprehensive compliance, certain products are exempt, including infant formula, eggs, alcoholic beverages, and select shellfish. Businesses failing to adhere to these new guidelines may face enforcement actions under California’s food safety laws.
As older products with the previous labels transition out of the market, consumers may still encounter outdated packaging for a period. However, the California government has expressed optimism that this reform will significantly improve the clarity of food date labels, ultimately reducing food waste in the state.
Changing Consumer Perceptions
The perception of food safety linked to date labels is critical. A 2025 national survey revealed that while 87 percent of respondents believed they understood food date labels, only 53 percent could accurately identify their meanings. Alarmingly, 43 percent of Americans reported regularly discarding food close to or past its date, despite it remaining safe to consume.
This disconnect highlights the urgent need for educational initiatives alongside the new labelling system to ensure that consumers are well-informed about the intended meanings of these dates and the safety of their food.
Why it Matters
This change is not merely a regulatory adjustment; it represents a significant cultural shift towards sustainability and consumer awareness. By clarifying food date labels and reducing confusion, California aims to mitigate the staggering levels of food waste while fostering a more environmentally conscious society. As other regions observe California’s pioneering approach, there is potential for a broader movement towards standardised food labelling across the United States, ultimately benefitting both the environment and consumers alike.
