Experts say the labels act as guides for retailers on how long to display products on the shelves but aren’t indicators of whether they are still safe to consume.

California is making food labels less confusing by banning "sell by" dates. The new law starting Wednesday requires manufacturers to use just two labels: "Best if Used By" for…

The measure was signed into law in 2024 after lawmakers argued the variety of food date labels had become a source of consumer confusion.