California leads push to simplify grocery date labels, other states follow

Starting in July, California stopped displaying traditional sell-by dates on packaged foods, mandating instead two straightforward tags: "best if used by" to indicate quality and "use by" for safety. The move, explained by ReFED executive director Sara Burnett, seeks to cut the roughly 3.5 million tons of food discarded each year due to label confusion. Similar legislation is pending in New York, pending Governor Kathy Hochul's approval, while Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey and other states are reviewing comparable measures.

Experts highlight that most waste occurs in households, where unclear dates lead consumers to toss edible items. Proper storage practices, such as keeping refrigerators below 40 °F, also play a crucial role. The initiative reflects a broader effort to streamline labeling, curb waste, and protect consumers.