California’s Expiration Date Labeling and Artificial Coloring Ban – Jay Lee’s U.S. Report (137)

California to Restrict “Sell By” Labeling and Ban Certain Food Dyes

– U.S. Column #137 by Jay Lee

From July 2026, “Sell by” and “Expiration date” labels will be prohibited

Certain dyes, including Red 40, banned in school food and beverages

By Jongchan Lee, CEO of J&B Food Consulting

California has recently become the first U.S. state to ban food labels such as “Sell by” and “Expiration date.” Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, the regulation aims to reduce food waste and greenhouse gas emissions in response to climate change.

Effective from July 2026, the law mandates that food products use “Best if Used By” to indicate peak quality, and “Use By” for safety purposes. Exemptions include eggs, beer, and other malt beverages.

According to the FDA, food waste accounts for about 20% of the total food supply nationwide. In California alone, approximately 6 million tons of expired food are thrown away each year—an amount sufficient to feed many small countries. Reducing such waste could significantly lower carbon emissions as well.

With California’s massive market share, supporters hope the new law will become a model for other states or even encourage federal-level action to standardize food labeling. Advocates believe this could pave the way for a new national standard in the U.S. However, it remains uncertain whether this legislation and California’s market influence will lead to unified food labeling across all U.S. products.

California’s strict consumer and environmental protection laws often pose challenges for exporters. For instance, Proposition 65 requires warning labels for substances known to cause cancer or reproductive harm, and many exporters or importers unaware of this regulation have suffered from lawsuits.

In a related move, California recently passed a law banning certain synthetic food dyes—including Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, Blue 1 and 2, and Green 3—in meals, drinks, and snacks provided in public schools across the state. This regulation will take effect on December 31, 2027.

The law is based on a state report indicating these dyes may contribute to behavioral issues and attention deficit in children, potentially affecting learning. Some studies have also suggested certain dyes may be carcinogenic.

In contrast, the U.S. FDA has stated that there is no conclusive evidence linking synthetic dyes to behavioral problems in children who have not been diagnosed with ADHD. However, California’s Environmental Protection Agency found in a comprehensive 2021 review that even children without ADHD showed some correlation with synthetic dye exposure.

California is the most populous state in the U.S., and compliance with its laws can often open broader opportunities for exporting to the American market. Therefore, exporters should pay close attention to these evolving regulations.

Feel free to contact us

jay@jnbfoodconsulting.com or 714-873-5566

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