California will ban the use of 'sell by' dates on food packaging beginning July 1, 2026, replacing them with standardized labels: 'Best if Used By' for peak quality and 'Use By' for safety, a move aimed at reducing confusion and food waste.

Industry groups acknowledge some grocers will need to adjust labeling systems, but overall support the change, with old labels allowed for a transition period as retailers adapt.

California becomes the first state to standardize labels after a 2024 law paved the path, while New York and several other states are considering or proposing similar measures.

Key stakeholders include Assembly sponsor Jacqui Irwin, consumer advocate Kimberly Kausen, and representatives from Californians Against Waste, ReFED, and the California Grocers Association.

Experts such as Andrea Collins of the NRDC and Emily Broad Leib of Harvard Law School support simplifying labels to improve consumer understanding and decision-making.

Advocates from Californians Against Waste and ReFED emphasize consumer clarity and a uniform labeling approach across brands to reduce waste.

Supporters argue the change can cut waste without compromising safety by using clear, uniform terminology across products.

Enforcement will fall to local health agencies under the California Retail Food Code, with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health serving as the local enforcement body in the region; inspections will flag violations on Official Inspection Reports.

Industry and advocacy groups view the reform positively, seeing it as addressing confusion that leads to discarding unexpired food and aligning with waste-reduction efforts by Californians Against Waste and ReFED.

Manufacturers may use either or both standardized labels, with an emphasis on consistency across brands to minimize confusion and waste.

The bill allows flexibility for label choices while pushing toward uniform terminology to avoid misinterpretation.

The law removes 'sell by' dates, though retailers may still keep coded 'sell by' information for stock rotation.