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California bans 'sell-by' labels to fight food waste with mandatory new grocery rules
By Alexa Mae Asperin at FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV)
· June 20, 2026
· 1 min read
California's Assembly Bill 660 bans "sell-by" dates and mandates uniform "BEST if Used by" and "USE by" terms on packaged food to curb consumer confusion and waste.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
For residents of the small city of Los Angeles , surrounded by the vast Greater Los Angeles metro, the new grocery rules could have a significant impact on daily life. The city's own police department and local government may not be directly involved in enforcing the rules, but the effects will be felt by consumers shopping at local stores. As part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, students and families may also benefit from reduced food waste, potentially leading to cost savings and more efficient food distribution. The uniform labeling terms will help clarify the difference between peak quality and safety, allowing consumers to make more informed decisions about the food they buy and consume. This change could also influence the way local food banks and pantries operate, potentially reducing the amount of expired or unusable food they receive.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? California's Assembly Bill 660 bans "sell-by" dates and mandates uniform "BEST if Used by" and "USE by" terms on packaged food to curb consumer confusion and waste.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexa Mae Asperin at FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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