The law is intended to help consumers avoid throwing out edible food
of ConsumerAffairsCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law to simplify food date labeling and reduce confusion for consumers.
The law, AB 660, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, requires manufacturers to use clear labels like Best If Used By and Use By on packaged foods.
It also bans consumer-facing Sell By labels, which often mislead people into discarding food that is still safe to eat.
Irwin highlighted that over 50 different date labeling phrases currently cause confusion, with Sell By intended for store stock management but misunderstood by consumers. She called the law a significant step toward saving money, reducing waste, and protecting the environment.
Having to wonder whether our food is still good is an issue that we all have struggled with, Irwin said, adding that the law is a monumental step to keep money in the pockets of consumers while helping the environment and the planet.
Six million tons of food wasted
The inconsistent use of phrases like Sell By, Expires On, Freshest Before, and others makes for an impossible-to-navigate system for consumers who dont want to throw away good food or make their families sick, Parker said.
Although the law only applies to California, it is likely to affect labeling of national brands throughout the country. California's large population makes it uneconomical for manufacturers to produce separate labels for use only in California.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-11-19 19:33:06
