Consumer News: Your daily coffee may be doing more for your liver than you think

New food date rules aim to reduce waste and clear up confusion

• California has become the first state to ban "sell by" labels on most food packaging.

• Manufacturers will now use standardized labels that distinguish food quality from food safety.

• The change is designed to help consumers make better decisions and reduce unnecessary food waste.

If you've ever stood in front of your refrigerator wondering whether a carton of milk or package of yogurt has actually expired, you're not alone.

For years, shoppers have had to sort through a confusing mix of phrases like "sell by," "best by," and "use by," often without knowing what those dates really mean.

California is trying to change that.

As of July 1, the state has become the first in the nation to ban the use of "sell by" labels on food packaging sold to consumers. Supporters of the new law say the goal is straightforward: make date labels easier to understand so people throw away less perfectly good food.

Using clear, consistent date labels will help reduce confusion about when food is safe to eat, cut down on unnecessary food waste, and make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions, California state Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D), author of the new law, wrote in a post on X.

What the new labels will look like

Instead of multiple date phrases, California now requires manufacturers to use standardized wording that clearly separates food quality from food safety.

Products that are still safe to eat but may not be at their peak quality will carry labels such as "Best if Used By" or "Best if Frozen By." Foods that should not be consumed after a certain date for safety reasons will use "Use By" or "Use or Freeze By."

The law also eliminates consumer-facing "sell by" labels, which were originally intended to help retailers manage inventory rather than tell shoppers when food should be discarded. Supporters say that distinction wasn't always obvious, leading many people to throw away food simply because they assumed the date meant it had expired.

What this means for consumers

For shoppers, the biggest change is clarity. Instead of trying to interpret several different phrases, consumers will increasingly see labels that indicate either product quality or food safety.

The change won't make food last longer, but it may help people feel more confident about whether an item is still worth keeping or eating. Supporters of the law also say clearer labeling could reduce the amount of edible food that ends up in the trash, benefiting both household budgets and food donation efforts.

California's law is the first of its kind, but it's already drawing attention beyond the state. New York has approved similar legislation, and lawmakers in several other states are considering comparable measures, raising the possibility that standardized food date labels could become more common across the country.

Here's what the agency's decision actually means for consumers

• The FDA has authorized 20 specific ZYN nicotine pouch products to be marketed with a modified risk claim after a scientific review.

• The authorization applies only to certain ZYN products not all nicotine pouches or tobacco products.

• The FDA says no tobacco product is safe, and fully quitting all tobacco products remains the best option for health.

If you've noticed ZYN nicotine pouches becoming more common, you may soon start seeing new health-related language in the brand's advertising.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products to be marketed with a specific "modified risk" claim following an extensive scientific review.

The decision doesn't approve an entire category of nicotine pouches or declare the products safe. Instead, it allows the manufacturer of these specific ZYN products to tell consumers that using them instead of cigarettes puts users at a lower risk for several smoking-related diseases.

FDAs review of modified risk products is intended to ensure that adult users have clear, science-based information about the relative harms of tobacco products, so they can make informed choices, Bret Koplow, Ph.D., J.D., acting director of the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products said in a news release.

[This] decision allows these products to be marketed with a modified risk claim that informs adults who smoke about the lower risks associated with these products.

What the FDA's decision covers

According to the FDA, the authorization applies only to 20 specific ZYN nicotine pouch products that were already authorized for sale in the United States in 2025. The products include 10 flavors, each available in two nicotine strengths 3 mg and 6 mg, including:

• ZYN Chill

• ZYN Cinnamon

• ZYN Citrus

• ZYN Coffee

• ZYN Cool Mint

• ZYN Menthol

• ZYN Peppermint

• ZYN Smooth

• ZYN Spearmint

• ZYN Wintergreen

The newly approved marketing claim states that using these ZYN products instead of cigarettes lowers the risk of mouth cancer, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Before allowing that claim, the FDA reviewed scientific evidence on the products' health risks, how consumers understand the claim, the potential for youth use, and the overall impact on public health. The agency concluded that the claim is scientifically supported for these specific products and that consumers are likely to understand what it means.

The FDA also emphasized that this authorization is product-specific. It does not automatically apply to other nicotine pouches or tobacco products. In addition, the agency said it can withdraw the authorization in the future if the products no longer provide a public health benefit for example, if youth use increases significantly.

What this means for consumers

For consumers, the biggest takeaway is that the FDA's decision is about relative risk not safety.

The agency continues to state that there is no safe tobacco product and that people who do not use tobacco should not start. F

For adults who currently smoke cigarettes, the FDA says completely quitting all tobacco products would provide the greatest health benefit. However, the agency also notes that adults who switch completely from cigarettes to FDA-authorized nicotine pouches may reduce their exposure to many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes.

The decision also signals that the FDA is evaluating tobacco products individually rather than making broad determinations about an entire category. As of now, the agency has authorized 26 nicotine pouch products after determining they met the required public health standard through its scientific review process.

And here's why customers keep coming back

• Six new locations: In-N-Out is expanding with six new restaurants across five states while maintaining its slow-growth strategy.

• Customers keep coming back: Fresh ingredients, a simple menu, and affordable prices helped In-N-Out earn Yelp's top burger chain ranking.

• Save on your order: Try the Not-So-Secret Menu, skip combos you don't need, and focus on overall value.

In-N-Out Burger is continuing its slow but steady expansion, announcing six new restaurants across five states while sticking to the strategy that has made it one of America's most beloved fast-food chains.

The California-based burger chain recently earned another major accolade, claiming the No. 1 spot on Yelp's list of America's best burger chains, beating larger competitors like The Habit Burger Grill, Shake Shack, Culver's, Five Guys, McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's. Yelp's rankings were based on more than 119,000 customer reviews across chains with at least 100 locations.

Where In-N-Out is opening next

In-N-Out has listed the following restaurants as "opening soon," although exact grand opening dates haven't been announced.

• Commerce, California - 6233 Telegraph Ave.

• Stockton, California - 10537 Trinity Parkway

• Madison, Tennessee (Nashville area) - 1900 Gallatin Pike North

• San Tan Valley, Arizona - 33375 N. Gary Road

• St. George, Utah - 4643 S. Pioneer Road

• Twin Falls, Idaho - 1965 Blue Lakes Blvd. North

Despite expanding into additional Western and Southern states (including Colorado, Texas, Idaho, and Tennessee) the family-owned chain says it has no plans to expand to the East Coast. Company president Lynsi Snyder has said In-N-Out won't sacrifice quality simply to grow faster.

Why In-N-Out continues to stand out

Unlike many fast-food chains that regularly introduce new sandwiches and limited-time offers, In-N-Out has built its reputation on consistency.

The menu has remained remarkably simple for decades, allowing restaurants to focus on fresh ingredients, fast service, and quality control. That commitment has earned the company a loyal following, with many customers praising not only the burgers but also the value.

Three ways to save money on your next visit

• Order from the "Not-So-Secret Menu." Animal Style burgers and fries, Protein Style burgers wrapped in lettuce, grilled cheese sandwiches, chopped chilis, and extra-toasted buns are all available even though they aren't listed on the main menu.

• Skip combo meals if you don't need everything. If you're not planning to order fries or a drink, purchasing items individually typically cost less than automatically ordering a combo.

• Compare valuenot just price. While many fast-food meals now approach or exceed $15, In-N-Out continues to receive praise from customers who say it delivers one of the best values in fast food thanks to fresh ingredients, generous portions, and relatively affordable prices.

The bottom line

As In-N-Out expands into more communities, new customers will finally get the chance to see what the hype is about.

For longtime fans, the chain's continued success is proof that sticking to fresh ingredients, a simple menu, and reasonable prices can still be a winning formula even as fast-food prices continue to climb.

Officials warn about a fake Veterans Savings Program' postcard scam

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The Department of Veterans Affairs is warning veterans about a new postcard scam falsely promising "extra VA benefits" through a fake "Veterans Savings Program."

• The fraudulent mailers use high-pressure tactics to persuade recipients to call scammers, who then seek Social Security numbers, banking information, and other sensitive personal data.

• VA officials say legitimate benefit changes are never communicated through unsolicited postcards and urge veterans to verify any claims directly with the agency.

Americas military veterans now have another enemy to worry about. Stealthy scammers have targeted veterans with a new mail scam that falsely promises additional government benefits while attempting to steal sensitive personal information.

According to the VA, scammers are sending official-looking postcards promoting a fictitious "Veterans Savings Program." The mailers claim that veterans or their spouses qualify for extra VA benefits or monthly payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage, regardless of their disability rating. The agency says no such program exists.

The postcards often create a sense of urgency, instructing recipients to call a phone number within just a few days to avoid missing out on the supposed benefits. Once veterans call, the scammers typically praise their military service to build trust before requesting personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other identifying information.

Dont engage with this enemy

The VA said it is monitoring the scam and urged veterans not to engage with unsolicited contacts or call unverified phone numbers.

Officials emphasized that veterans should never provide personal or financial information over the phone or online to someone whose identity cannot be verified. Legitimate VA communications do not pressure recipients to act immediately or demand sensitive information.

The department said the postcard scheme is part of a broader pattern of fraud targeting veterans. Other common tactics include phishing emails and text messages, callers impersonating VA officials, requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency, and scammers attempting to build trust through social media before asking for money or personal information.

What to do

To protect themselves, veterans should ignore suspicious postcards, emails, texts and phone calls, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages, and verify any questions about benefits by contacting the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000.

The VA also advises veterans to be cautious of unsolicited friend requests or messages on social media and to treat any unexpected claims about new government benefits with skepticism.

Anyone who notices missing VA benefit payments, suspicious changes to direct deposit information, or believes they may have been the victim of fraud should contact the VA immediately. Suspected can also be reported through VSAFE.gov or by calling 1-833-38V-SAFE, the agency said.