California law aims to clear up confusion over food in your fridge

California is trying to settle the age-old debate over whether food in the refrigerator is still okay to eat.

Gov. Gavin Newsom just signed a law making the state the first to ban labels like “Sell By” and “Best Before,” which often confuse shoppers. These labels, found on everything from milk to bread, aren’t regulated and don’t actually tell you if food is safe.

“Sell by” dates are typically used by stores to manage stock, not for consumers to determine freshness.

The Food and Drug Administration says this confusion leads to nearly 20% of food waste nationwide. Around 6 million tons of good food gets tossed each year in California alone, according to the FDA.

“Having to wonder whether our food is still good is an issue that we all have struggled with,” said Democratic Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), the bill’s author.

Shoppers like Jasmine Acosta, 23, who used to work at a grocery store, say shoppers don’t understand the current labels.

“It’s confusing to most consumers,” Acosta told The Associated Press as she shopped at a Smart & Final store in Los Angeles on Tuesday. “It’s just a waste of money.”

Starting in July 2026, the new California law will require standardized labels. “Best if Used By” will indicate peak quality, and “Use By” for product safety.

There are a few exceptions, like eggs, beer and malt beverages. Irwin said the goal is to reduce food waste, cut climate emissions and save consumers money.

While other states have tried to pass similar laws, nothing has moved forward at the federal level. Advocates hope California’s large market will push food manufacturers to adopt the same standards nationwide.

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