Can California stores sell expired food? Here’s what the dates on product labels mean
“Best by,” “use by,” “sell by,” oh my. Which of the many food labeling terms mean your food is actually expired? And what do the others mean?
While federal law states product date labeling is voluntary, a proposed California law aims to clear the confusion of labeling terms and require retailers to use uniform and direct phrases.
Here’s what some of the current labels mean, and what terms the new law would require retailers to use:
What do the dates on California food labels mean?
Because there is no current law requiring universal language for product dating, you may see a wide variety of phrases printed on labels and wonder what they mean.
Regardless of what’s printed on a food label, if the item is stored properly, it should still be safe to eat until you can see, smell or feel that it’s spoiled, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In short, product dates are used to determine when the item will maintain its quality, not when it’s safe to consume.
According to the USDA:
“Best if used by/before” dates indicate when a product will be of best flavor or quality.
“Sell by” dates are for retailers, not consumers. They tell the store how long to display the product.
“Use by” dates are the last day retailers recommend consumers use the product for it to be peak quality. They indicate safety only when printed on infant formula.
“Freeze by” dates tell you when you should freeze a product to maintain peak quality.
Proposed California law aims to simplify labeling
The proposed new law, introduced by Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks, currently sits in the Committee on Agriculture.
Its first hearing was set but was canceled at the request of the author, according to the bill’s history log.
In addition to eliminating confusion on product date labeling, it also aims to cut down on food waste that results from consumers tossing food that is still good to eat when they may not understand the labels, according to previous Bee reporting. It also could help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Around 50 different phrases can be found on food labels nationwide, Irwin’s office previously told The Bee. Here are the ones the bill proposes retailers use:
“Best if used by” or “best if used or frozen by” to indicate the quality date of the food item.
“Use by” or “use or freeze by” to indicate the safety date of a food item.
“BB” and “UB” may be used in place of the full phrase if the product is too small to fit it.
If it is passed, it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
This story was originally published August 3, 2023 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Can California stores sell expired food? Here’s what the dates on product labels mean."
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