California Bill Could Clear Up Expiration Labels on Food

A proposed law in California could help to make food labels clearer for consumers to understand, hoping to prevent food waste.

Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks, is behind Assembly Bill 660 which would require retailers to use labels that clear explain when food is expired. New labels would help customers know exactly what a date means by reading, “best if used by,” “best if frozen by,” “use by,” or “use by or freeze by.”

“We have all opened our fridge or pantry and had to wonder whether our food is still good. AB 660 will eliminate confusion on food labeling and reduce food waste, saving consumers money and meaningfully impacting climate change,” Irwin said in a statement on the bill. “Some 50 different phrases can be found on food products nationwide — simplifying these would allow households to get the most out of their food, saving both money and natural resources.”

The bill currently sits in the Assemble Appropriations Committee and has no recorded opposition.

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