Is the food in the fridge still good?

Synopsis: This article brings to light how California has passed a groundbreaking law to standardize food labeling, aiming to reduce confusion and food waste caused by unclear terms like “sell by” or “best before.” Starting in July 2026, the law requires labels to use “Best if Used By” for quality and “Use By” for safety, in line with federal recommendations, and exempts certain products like eggs and beer. Currently, over 50 unregulated date labels lead to confusion and significant waste, with Californians discarding about 6 million tons of edible food annually. Proponents hope California's move will set a national precedent, as consumer advocates and lawmakers have long sought to address misleading labeling practices.

Written By: Tran Nguyen
Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Jaimie Ding
Published: October 1, 2024