schools
Did the milk expire? California bans 'sell by' food labels to cut food waste
By Olga R. Rodriguez, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 1, 2026
· 4 min read
In Kimberley Kausen’s home, a passed “sell by” date on a jug of milk means different things to different family members. For her daughter, it means the jug belongs in the trash. For her husband, it means the milk is still good for a few more days.Kausen, a chef and cooking teacher in Irvine, Cali...
Key takeaway “I’ll put some thought into it, and if we’re talking about meat and poultry, I’m very cautious about that and for sure will do the smell test and the touch test,” she said.
Why this matters in Tomball News
The new California law banning "sell by" food labels could have implications for Tomball residents, particularly those who shop at stores that source products from California manufacturers. As food manufacturers begin to use standardized "Best if Used By" and "Use By" labels, Tomball shoppers may notice changes in the packaging of products on local store shelves. This shift could help reduce food waste in the community, as consumers become more confident in their understanding of food safety and quality. Additionally, local food banks and pantries may benefit from the change, as donations of still-edible food increase and fewer items are discarded due to confusion over labeling. As other states, including those nearby, consider similar legislation, Tomball residents may see a broader impact on the way food is labeled and consumed in the Houston area.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In Kimberley Kausen’s home, a passed “sell by” date on a jug of milk means different things to different family members. For her daughter, it means the jug belongs in the trash. For her husband, it means the milk is still good for a few more days.Kausen, a chef and cooking teacher in Irvine, Cali...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Olga R. Rodriguez, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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