California state lawmakers have introduced a law simplifying food date labeling to just two categories: product quality and safety [1].
This change addresses a widespread consumer misunderstanding regarding expiration dates. Many people discard edible food because they mistake "best-by" or "use-by" labels for safety warnings rather than indicators of peak freshness [1, 3].
Under the new regulations, food manufacturers must display two distinct date labels [2]. One label will indicate the quality of the product, while the other will specifically address safety [2]. The goal is to curb the unnecessary disposal of food that is still safe for consumption but may have passed its quality peak.
The law was enacted in 2024 and is slated to take effect in early 2025 [1]. By clarifying the difference between a product's flavor or texture decline and an actual health risk, the state aims to lower the volume of waste entering landfills.
This initiative comes amid significant concerns regarding national food loss. Reports indicate that Americans waste between 30% and 40% of the food supply each year [3]. Much of this waste occurs at the household level, where consumers rely on confusing date markers to decide if a product is still fit for use.
State officials said that standardized labeling will empower consumers to make more informed decisions about their groceries. By separating safety from quality, the law seeks to reduce the financial burden on households, and the environmental impact of food waste in the U.S. [1, 2].
“Americans waste between 30% and 40% of the food supply each year.”
This legislative shift moves California toward a more transparent food-labeling system that prioritizes waste reduction over manufacturer caution. By legally distinguishing between quality and safety, the state is attempting to shift consumer behavior and challenge the industry standard of using vague dates that often lead to the premature disposal of safe, edible food.
