Food Dates Confuse Millions: Edible Food Wasted

Widespread confusion surrounding food date labels results in millions of Americans discarding perfectly edible food. These dates, such as 'Best Before' or 'Sell By,' predominantly signify peak quality and not a product's safety for consumption. This ambiguity, exacerbated by a lack of federal standardization outside of infant formula, leads to substantial food waste across the nation.

California has taken a significant step by enacting a law that mandates food manufacturers to adopt just two distinct labels: 'Best If Used By' for quality and 'Use By' for safety. This measure aims to simplify consumer understanding and reduce the discarding of safe, but past-peak, food items.

Studies indicate that over 80% of consumers occasionally discard food nearing its package date. Experts advise using sensory cues like smell and taste to assess spoilage, particularly for shelf-stable items like canned goods, dry products, and unopened packaged foods. These items can often remain safe and consumable for extended periods beyond their printed dates.

However, caution is advised for perishable items such as meat, poultry, and fish, which can spoil even with refrigeration. While the federal government mandates expiration dates only for infant formula due to nutrient degradation concerns, consumers are generally encouraged to exercise personal judgment. Resources like the FoodKeeper app can provide further guidance on food freshness and safety.