Sell-by dates in New York City are spoiled rotten.

A quick peek inside your refrigerator and you may see the following phrases on your food: “sell by,” “best if used by,” or “use by,” but what do they actually mean, and which one do you follow — if any?

New Yorkers aren’t sure, lawmakers say. But a proposed food-labeling bill is trying to fix that. 

First introduced back in 2025, the state Legislature is aiming to fix a few things: decode food date labels for shoppers, stop food waste, and save New Yorkers money.

In fact, the bill claims that these simple changes can “reduce food waste by approximately 20%.” And as food costs increase, the switches may help families save money that gets tossed right in the trash from expiration dates.

If the bill passes, companies using date labels would be required to have only two clear phrases: “use by” and “best used by.”

“Use by” would be a safety date — when food may no longer be safe to eat.

“Best if used by” would be a quality date — when food may be at its best taste-wise, but is still safe to consume.

And shoppers can say goodbye to “sell by.” Since the phrase is used for store inventory purposes, Lawmakers said consumers don’t need to see it. 

Additionally, the Department of Agriculture would be required to develop educational materials explaining the meaning of food date labels to consumers. All stores selling food would also need to display signage with those new meanings.

The bill has made its way through the Senate and is now in the hands of Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is reviewing it. Hochul will then have until the end of this year to act — or it expires.

If the legislation passes, New York would follow California and become the second state to adopt a “sell by” ban on food products. The Golden State passed a similar law back in 2024.

Currently, there is no federal or state regulation surrounding food date labelling other than the USDA’s guidance. But, that is not enforceable, it just creates “consumer confusion,” the law states.

“If you’ve ever looked at a food date label and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. Confusing date labels lead people to throw away perfectly good food without even realizing it, wasting thousands of dollars per year and increasing emissions,” Senator Michelle Hinchey, sponsor of the bill said.

If Gov. Hochul signs the bill into law, it would take effect 180 days after signing — so likely next year.

California’s “sell by” law goes into effect on July 1. Similarly, their food expiration labels will be simplified as shoppers will now see just two labels.

Products marked “BEST if Used by” are considered to be at their highest quality or flavor before that date. Items with a “USE by” label indicate a food safety deadline. The law also allows for shortened versions of the labels — “BB” and “UB” — for smaller packages and certain beverages.