Food expiration dates don’t mean what you think

How much of the food in your fridge do you throw away before eating it? Like those hamburger buns from last summer's picnic, or milk that's past its "use by" date? Or maybe carrots that aren't as fresh as they used to be?

Around the world, a lot of food is wasted every year, and the United States is one of the worst culprits. In the US, 37% of food waste comes from regular households like yours. Surprisingly, about 20% of the food people throw away is because they're not sure what the dates on the labels mean.

But here's the thing: most of that food is still perfectly fine to eat even after those dates have passed. So what do those dates on our food actually tell us?

Well, in the past, it was easier to know if food was fresh because it didn't have to travel far from where it was produced to where it was eaten. People could use their senses—like looking, smelling, and touching—to judge freshness.

But things changed when supermarkets started selling processed foods. It became harder to tell how old a product was. That's when grocers in the US began using codes to track how long food had been on the shelves. In the 1970s, consumers wanted to know this information too.

So, a system called "open dating" was introduced. Food manufacturers or retailers put dates on products to show when they'd taste their best, not when they'd go bad. Surprisingly, there aren't many rules or science behind setting these dates, and companies often set them early to make sure you enjoy their food at its peak.

This means that many foods are safe to eat long after the date on the label. Things like old cookies and pasta might not taste as good, but they won't make you sick. Canned foods can stay safe for a long time, as long as they don't look damaged. Freezing food keeps it safe, too, and eggs stay good in the fridge for a while. If they go bad, you'll notice by the smell.

However, there are some exceptions. The USDA recommends using or freezing meat within a few days of buying it. And some items like ready-to-eat salads, deli meats, and certain cheeses can carry harmful bacteria even if they look and smell fine.

Interestingly, most people rely on these date labels to decide if food is still good to eat, and many end up throwing away food that's perfectly fine. Even restaurants and grocery stores do the same.

To reduce this waste, experts suggest using standardized phrases like "Best if used by" for freshness or "Use by" for safety on date labels. This could prevent a lot of food from being thrown away. Some people also think removing date labels on produce, like some UK supermarkets have done, could help people use their judgment.

Additionally, experts suggest policies to encourage grocery stores and restaurants to donate unsold food instead of throwing it away. Currently, there's a lot of confusion around these dates, leading some US states to restrict food donations past the labeled date, even though it's allowed by the federal government.

But ultimately, the best way to reduce food waste is to eat what you buy, and trust your senses—your eyes, nose, and tongue—to determine if food is still good to eat or if it's time for the compost bin.

In conclusion, the issue of food waste is a significant global concern, with the United States being a major contributor. Understanding food labels and using our senses to assess food freshness can go a long way in reducing this waste. Standardized labeling practices and policies encouraging food donations can also play a crucial role. By making informed choices and minimizing food waste, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.