Do you toss food once the date on the label has passed? Experts say that’s often a waste
The law requires two standardized labels for quality and safety, and more than 80% of consumers still toss food near package dates, researchers found.
- California became the first state in the United States to standardize food labels under a law effective July 1, banning "Sell" dates and requiring manufacturers to use "Best If Used By" labels for quality and "Use By" labels for safety.
- More than 80% of consumers discard food approaching package dates, according to a 2019 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study. Researchers found more than 50 different date labels used across the United States, creating widespread confusion about whether labels indicate quality or safety.
- "Dates are used by stores to ensure products are being displayed for a reasonable amount of time before quality declines," said Nate Rose, a spokesperson for the California Grocers Association. Rose noted this serves as "an internal referencing system for store managers and employees."
- New York lawmakers recently passed a similar measure for labels that is awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature. The legislation reflects growing momentum among states to standardize confusing food expiration terminology.
- Federal regulations mandate expiration dates only for Infant formula, the sole product required by law to carry one. Food scientist Rachel Zemser warns consumers to take extra precautions with beef, chicken, or fish, as meat can spoil even when refrigerated.
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Australian families throw away about $2,000 in food a year, and bread tops the waste list
Australian households are throwing away far more than the occasional forgotten lettuce leaf or stale loaf. New research suggests families are losing thousands of dollars each year on food that could have been eaten, all while grocery bills continue to strain household budgets. Put another way, the amount of edible food being thrown out across Australia works out to 10,000 meals every two minutes. What's happening? Citing research from End Food W…
Do food date labels really mean food has expired?
San Francisco: If you routinely throw away milk, yoghurt or other food products as soon as the date on the package passes, experts say you may be discarding perfectly edible food.Food date labels often create confusion among consumers, leading many people to throw away products that remain safe to eat. According to food safety experts, most date labels are intended to indicate quality and freshness rather than food safety.Terms such as "Best Bef…
The Toronto Star
Do you toss food once the date on the label has passed? Experts say that’s often a waste
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — If you’ve ever tossed out a carton of milk or a container of yogurt solely because the date on the packaging had passed, you’re not alone.
Associated Press News
Do you toss food once the date on the label has passed? Experts say that's often a waste
Many people throw away food based on confusing expiration labels like “Best By” or “Sell By.” Experts say these labels often indicate freshness, not safety.
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