California AB2779 mandates uniform date labeling for food items sold in California, effective July 1, 2026.

California AB2779 amends the Food and Agricultural Code to standardize date labeling for food items sold in California. Effective July 1, 2026, food manufacturers, processors, and retailers must use specific terms to indicate quality and safety dates on food items. The act prohibits the use of "sell by" dates and requires the use of terms like "BEST if Used by" for quality dates and "USE by" for safety dates. It also allows grocery stores to use "packed on" labels for prepared foods, provided they include a quality or safety date.

California AB2779 mandates uniform date labeling for food items sold in California, effective July 1, 2026.

California AB2779 amends the Food and Agricultural Code to standardize date labeling for food items sold in California. Effective July 1, 2026, food manufacturers, processors, and retailers must use specific terms to indicate quality and safety dates on food items. The act prohibits the use of "sell by" dates and requires the use of terms like "BEST if Used by" for quality dates and "USE by" for safety dates. It also allows grocery stores to use "packed on" labels for prepared foods, provided they include a quality or safety date.