Food and beverage products: labeling: quality dates, safety dates, and sell-by dates.
Effective July 1, 2026, AB 660 mandates that all food items for human consumption that require date labels must adhere to defined uniform terms, such as 'BEST if Used by' and 'USE by.' This change aims to provide clearer guidance to consumers regarding food freshness and safety, potentially reducing food waste by allowing consumers to better understand the consumability of products past their labeled dates. However, the bill specifically prohibits the use of 'sell by' dates, which are often misinterpreted as quality indicators for the consumer context.
Assembly Bill 660 (AB 660), introduced by Irwin, addresses the labeling of food and beverage products, specifically focused on quality and safety dates. This legislation amends existing provisions under the Food and Agricultural Code and the Health and Safety Code, establishing uniform standards for date labeling on food products. Currently, the law requires a date indicating when milk and milk products should be removed from shelves for consumer quality; however, AB 660 proposes that this should instead indicate the date by which the product should normally be consumed to ensure quality.
The sentiment regarding AB 660 appears to be largely positive among consumer advocacy groups who believe that clearer labeling will enhance consumer protection and food safety. Proponents argue that the bill will simplify the labeling system, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices. However, some concerns exist among food manufacturers and retailers about the cost and logistical implications of implementing these uniform labeling standards by the stipulated date.
Notably, AB 660 has drawn some criticism over its implications for food manufacturers and retailers concerning compliance. The transition away from 'sell by' dates could create challenges, especially for products that rely on these dates for inventory management. Furthermore, the bill introduces a state-mandated local program, which requires local health agencies to enforce the new labeling requirements and may impose additional burdens on them without full state reimbursement for related costs in certain scenarios. The debates around these points underline the ongoing tensions between consumer protection and regulatory compliance in the food industry.