Food Waste

It is likely that you, along with many others, have found yourself discarding food before it even makes it to the table. This includes items such as hamburger buns and milk that have surpassed their best-before dates.

It's a widespread issue where numerous countries globally witness significant food waste each year. Did you know that in the United States, 37% of food waste can be attributed to individual households? Moreover, approximately 20% of this waste occurs because consumers are unsure how to interpret the expiry dates on food labels. Interestingly, most of these discarded food items are still perfectly safe to consume. So, what exactly do the dates on our food indicate?

In earlier times, people had a better grasp of determining freshness by relying on their senses of sight, smell, and touch, primarily due to the direct farm-to-table nature of food. However, with the advent of supermarkets and the availability of processed foods, it became increasingly challenging to estimate the age of products.

To keep track of the shelf life of food items, grocers in the United States utilized packaging codes. These codes helped them monitor how long the products had been on the shelves. However, in the 1970s, consumer demands prompted grocers to provide this information directly to shoppers.

The current system of labeling dates on food products is not primarily concerned with expiration or food safety. In fact, these dates are often determined without strong scientific support, and there are no standardized regulations regarding which dates to use. Consequently, many manufacturers and retailers have an incentive to set these dates conservatively, ensuring that customers experience the food at its peak quality and are more likely to repurchase. As a result, numerous food items remain safe for consumption well beyond the dates printed on their labels.

While postdated shelf-stable foods may not retain their optimal freshness, it is important to note that they do not present any health risks. Canned foods, for instance, can remain safe for several years unless they exhibit signs of bulging or rusting. Bacteria that can cause food poisoning are effectively controlled by the low temperatures of freezers. Refrigerated eggs, if stored properly, can be consumed for up to five weeks, and you will be able to detect spoilage through a noticeable odor. Similarly, spoiled produce can be identified by slimy textures, the presence of mold, and unusual odors.

However, there are certain situations where it is advisable to err on the side of caution. The US Department of Agriculture recommends consuming or freezing meat within a few days of purchase. Foods like unpasteurized cheeses and deli meats carry a higher risk of harboring pathogenic bacteria that may not be detectable through smell or taste, even if they are past their printed dates. On the other hand, the dates on infant formula are regulated and indicate safety.

While some food labels serve their intended purpose, the majority of them do not. According to a 2019 survey of over 1,000 Americans, more than 70% rely on date labels to determine if food is still edible, and nearly 60% admitted to discarding any food that has surpassed these dates. This practice is also prevalent among restaurants and grocery stores.

Many experts advocate for implementing laws that would require date labels to use standardized phrases: "Use by" to indicate safety or "Best if used by" to denote freshness. Such standardization would help reduce the amount of unnecessary food waste and its associated negative impact.

According to US researchers, implementing standardized date label standards at the federal level has the potential to prevent approximately 398,000 tons of food waste each year.

In the UK, some supermarket chains have taken the initiative to remove date labels on produce, encouraging consumers to rely on their own judgment when determining freshness. Additionally, experts have proposed policies that provide incentives for grocers and restaurants to donate unsold food, further addressing the issue of food waste.

Regardless of governmental actions, the most effective approach to minimize food waste is for individuals to consume what they purchase and purchase only what they truly need. By practicing mindful consumption, we can all play a role in reducing food waste and its environmental impact.