Will California’s New Food Labels Help Cut Waste?

California is simplifying food date labels in an effort to reduce confusion, cut down on food waste, and help consumers save money.Under the new approach, many products will transition away from the variety of "sell by," "expires on," and similar labels that often leave shoppers guessing. Instead, consumers will primarily see two standardized phrases: "Best if Used By," which refers to product quality, and "Use By," which indicates when a product should be consumed for safety reasons.State officials believe the change will help prevent people from throwing away perfectly good food simply because they misunderstood a date printed on the packaging.The proposal sparked discussion about whether the new labels will make a meaningful difference or simply replace one set of labels with another.One panelist questioned whether the state needed to regulate food labeling at all, arguing that consumers should continue using common sense by checking how food looks, smells, and has been stored before deciding whether to throw it away. They suggested that proper refrigeration and careful inspection are often just as important as any printed date.Another agreed that while the updated labels may be helpful, shoppers should still rely on their own judgment. They noted that many foods remain safe beyond their quality date and that reducing unnecessary waste could help families stretch their grocery budgets.The conversation also highlighted how many consumers already evaluate food by appearance, smell, and texture rather than relying exclusively on expiration dates, particularly for products with longer shelf lives.With grocery prices remaining a concern for many households, supporters hope clearer labeling will reduce confusion and prevent millions of pounds of edible food from ending up in the trash. Whether the new system changes consumer habits remains to be seen, but California is betting that a few simpler words on a package could make a meaningful difference. For more Coachella Valley News visit NBCPalmSprings.com