Walmart has announced a new date labeling requirement for food products following California Assembly Bill 660, a law designed to standardize food date labels and reduce consumer confusion and food waste.
Under the new requirement, Walmart will no longer allow “Sell By” date labels on affected food products, packaging, cases, or other consumer-facing materials manufactured on or after July 1, 2026.
What is changing?
For most food products that use date labeling, sellers and manufacturers should replace “Sell By” with standardized terminology:
- “BEST if Used By” for dates related to product quality
- “BEST if Used or Frozen By” for quality when freezing is applicable
- “USE By” for dates related to food safety
- “USE By or Freeze By” when applicable
California AB 660 took effect on July 1, 2026 and prohibits the sale in California of affected food manufactured on or after that date when it carries a consumer-facing “Sell By” label.
Why is California eliminating “Sell By” dates?
One of the main goals of AB 660 is to make food date labels easier for consumers to understand.
“Sell By,” “Best By,” and “Use By” have historically been used in different ways, and shoppers may not always know whether a date refers to food safety, product quality, or simply inventory management.
California introduced the standardized terminology to create more consistency and help reduce unnecessary food waste caused by consumers throwing away food simply because a “Sell By” date has passed.
What Walmart sellers should do
If you sell food products on Walmart Marketplace, review your affected products and packaging to make sure they comply with the new requirements.
Pay particular attention to:
- Product packaging
- Labels printed directly on products
- Cases and cartons
- Other consumer-facing materials
- Existing inventory manufactured on or after July 1, 2026
The law includes certain exceptions, including infant formula, eggs, beer, and other malt beverages.
Important date: July 1, 2026
The important date for sellers is July 1, 2026. Walmart specifically states that affected products manufactured on or after this date should no longer use “Sell By” labeling.
Sellers dealing with food and beverage products should review both Walmart’s requirements and the full California AB 660 rules to determine whether their products are affected.
