schools
Did the milk expire? California bans 'sell by' food labels to cut food waste
By Olga R. Rodriguez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· 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 The San Antonio
The new California law standardizing food labels could have a significant impact on San Antonio households, where food waste is a pressing issue. As the city continues to grow and urbanize, reducing waste and promoting sustainability have become key priorities for local residents and policymakers. By adopting clearer and more consistent labeling, food manufacturers can help consumers make more informed decisions about the food they buy and consume, ultimately reducing the amount of waste that ends up in local landfills. This issue is particularly relevant in San Antonio, where schools and community organizations are working to educate residents about the importance of reducing waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices. As other states consider similar legislation, San Antonio residents may be watching to see if Texas will follow California's lead in addressing food waste through labeling reform.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Olga R. Rodriguez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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