A California Law Will Simplify How We Buy Food, Prohibiting “Sell By” Confusing Expiration Dates

Tired of playing detective with food expiration dates? California is here to save the day with a new law designed to clear up confusion over those pesky labels. In an effort to cut down on food waste and ensure consumers are tossing less and saving more, this legislation introduces a clearer, more uniform system for date labels on food products. From "Sell By" to "Use By," the new rules aim to simplify things for everyone. But will this change finally solve the expiration date puzzle?

We’ve all been there—staring at the milk carton in the fridge, wondering if it’s safe to drink past the “Sell By” date. Does that mean it’s still good? Or should you toss it and avoid the risk of a sour surprise? California’s new law steps in to bring some much-needed clarity to these questions. The law mandates standardized language for food expiration dates, so consumers no longer have to guess what’s still fresh and what’s past its prime.

The confusion stems from the variety of terms that have been used on food labels for decades. From "Best By" to "Expires On," many of these terms have been more about peak quality than actual safety. With the new law, the state aims to set two clear labels: "Use By" for food safety and "Best If Used By" for quality. So, next time you see "Use By," it means toss it after that date—no debate. But if it says "Best If Used By," it’s more of a suggestion for when the product is at its peak flavor. Still good, just maybe not the absolute best. Simple, right?

Beyond the benefits to confused shoppers, the law is a big win for the environment. According to studies, a shocking amount of perfectly good food ends up in the trash each year simply because consumers misunderstand expiration dates. In fact, some estimates suggest that up to 40% of food waste comes from people throwing away items that are still safe to eat.

With clearer labeling, California hopes to change that. By letting people know when food is actually unsafe to consume, the goal is to reduce unnecessary waste and, in turn, help fight the larger issue of food insecurity. Less waste means more food to go around, and who wouldn’t want that? It’s a small change with potentially big consequences for both our planet and our grocery bills.

If you’ve ever felt a pang of anxiety while grocery shopping, trying to figure out if something will last long enough before you eat it, this law is for you. We’ve all been burned by purchasing items we didn’t use fast enough, but with clearer labels, you’ll know exactly how long you’ve got before your food becomes a science experiment. And let’s face it—nobody wants to be the person sniffing questionable yogurt in front of an open fridge door.

While this law won’t stop food from spoiling, it will give consumers a little more confidence in knowing exactly what they’re buying and when to use it. Think of it as taking the guesswork out of grocery shopping. And if it means fewer frustrating decisions in the grocery aisle, we’re all for it.

For food manufacturers, the new law will require some adjustments in how they label their products. While some companies have already started to move toward more transparent date labeling, the new law will ensure everyone is on the same page. In the long run, this should benefit both businesses and consumers. After all, clear communication means fewer complaints and less confusion—a win-win!

Of course, the food industry may initially face some costs in switching over to the new labels, but this seems like a small price to pay for greater clarity and less waste. Plus, the move could help brands build more trust with consumers who are increasingly aware of food waste and sustainability issues.

As California often leads the way in food regulation, it’s possible other states will follow suit. While the law is currently limited to California, the trend toward clearer, more standardized expiration dates could catch on nationally. It wouldn’t be the first time the state set the stage for broader changes. Think of this as the expiration date on vague labeling practices—soon to be outdated, just like that milk you forgot about last month.

In fact, the FDA has already expressed interest in creating a more uniform labeling system across the country, so California's move could be just the nudge needed to inspire action at the federal level. Let’s hope the rest of the nation gets on board before we all have to throw out another half-eaten bag of chips just because of confusing dates.