Clarifying 'Sell By' Dates to Reduce Food Waste in California The origin of "sell by" dates dates back to the 1920s, when retailers used these labels to inform consumers about peak freshness and flavor.
However, over time, a common misconception has taken hold – that "sell by" dates serve as guidelines for food safety.
This misinterpretation contributes significantly to the staggering amount of food waste in the United States.