The Truth about "Expired Food"

Food waste remains a widespread problem globally, with the United States ranking among the worst offenders. Shockingly, a staggering 37% of food waste in the US originates from individual households. Furthermore, approximately 20% of discarded food items are thrown away due to the perplexity surrounding date labels. However, it's worth noting that many of these discarded items are actually still safe for consumption. So, what exactly do these dates stamped on our food packages signify, and are they a reliable indicator of edibility?

In times gone by, the journey of food from its source to the consumer's table was much more direct. People relied on their senses—sight, smell, and touch—to determine the freshness of food. However, as the modern food industry evolved, the proliferation of processed foods and the advent of supermarkets introduced complexities in assessing the age of products. In response to consumer demands for transparency, the open dating system was introduced, a practice that is prevalent to this day. This system involves labeling products with dates that indicate the optimal period for freshness. However, it's essential to clarify that open dates don't correlate with food safety or expiration, and these labels are often determined without scientific validation. Manufacturers and retailers are often motivated to set these dates conservatively, ensuring that consumers experience their products at their prime, encouraging repeat purchases.

This approach leads to a noteworthy revelation: many foods are perfectly safe to consume well beyond their labeled dates. For example, items like old cookies or pasta may lose their original texture but do not pose any inherent health risks. Canned goods can maintain their safety for several years, provided they show no signs of bulging or rusting. The low temperatures of freezers serve as a barrier against the growth of bacteria that could lead to food poisoning, preserving frozen dinners for an extended duration. Even refrigerated eggs remain fit for consumption for up to five weeks, and their spoilage is usually detectable through smell. Additionally, signs of spoilage like off odors, sliminess, or mold are indicative of produce that has outlasted its prime.

While there are exceptions, such as consuming or freezing meat within a few days of purchase, items like ready-to-eat salads, deli meats, and unpasteurized cheeses should be treated with caution due to the potential presence of pathogenic bacteria. Despite these guidelines, a survey conducted in 2019 revealed that over 70% of Americans rely on date labels to gauge the edibility of their food. Even more concerning, nearly 60% of respondents admitted to discarding food that exceeded the labeled dates.

To address this issue of unnecessary waste, experts propose standardized date labels such as "Best if used by" to indicate freshness or "Use by" to denote safety. By implementing these federal standards, a substantial reduction in food waste could be achieved. Additionally, some experts suggest removing date labels on produce, a practice that several UK supermarket chains have already adopted. This approach encourages consumers to trust their judgment based on sensory cues rather than relying solely on labels. Advocates also emphasize the importance of incentivizing grocers and restaurants to donate unsold food, as confusion surrounding date labels has led to restrictions on food donations in numerous US states. Notably, countries like France have taken a step further by mandating that supermarkets donate unsold food, addressing the issue head-on.

Ultimately, the key to combating food waste lies in mindful consumption. Trusting our senses—sight, smell, and taste—is crucial in determining the suitability of food for consumption or composting. By exercising these senses and making informed choices, we can contribute to the fight against food wastage and its far-reaching consequences.