How often do you toss food from your fridge before it even reaches the table? Perhaps those hamburger buns from last summer’s picnic, or milk that’s past its sell-by date? You’re not alone. Around the globe, countries waste massive amounts of food each year, and the United States is among the worst offenders.
Did you know that 37% of food waste in the U.S. comes from individual households? Shockingly, about 20% of those items are thrown away simply because consumers are unsure how to interpret the dates labeled on them. The good news is that many of these groceries are still perfectly safe to eat!
The Meaning Behind Food Dates
So, if the dates on our food aren’t indicators of spoilage, what do they actually signify? Before the 20th century, people had a direct connection between food production and consumption. Most individuals relied on their senses—sight, smell, and touch—to assess freshness.
However, with the rise of supermarkets and processed foods, it became harder to determine food freshness. In the U.S., grocers began using packaging codes to monitor how long food had been on the shelves. By the 1970s, consumers wanted this information as well. Supermarkets adopted a system called open dating, which labels products with dates that suggest optimum freshness.
What You Should Know
- These dates are vague: They do not indicate expiration or safety. There’s often no scientific basis for these dates, and manufacturers typically set them early to ensure customers experience the best taste.
- Many foods are safe well past their labeled dates: For example, cookies and pasta may taste stale but pose no health risks. Canned foods can remain safe for years as long as they aren’t bulging or rusted.
How Long Can You Keep Common Foods?
- Frozen dinners: If stored properly, they can last indefinitely.
- Refrigerated eggs: They are good for up to five weeks. Trust your nose to alert you if they spoil.
- Produce: Spoiled fruits and vegetables often show off odors, slimy surfaces, or mold.
When to Be Cautious
While many foods are safe beyond their labels, there are some exceptions. The USDA advises that meat should be eaten or frozen within days of purchase. Foods like ready-to-eat salads, deli meats, and unpasteurized cheeses can carry bacteria that you can’t smell or taste, so use caution with these items. The dates on infant formula are also strictly regulated for safety.
The Impact of Misinterpretation
A 2019 survey revealed that over 70% of Americans rely on date labels to decide if food is still edible, and nearly 60% toss food past those dates. Restaurants and grocery stores often follow suit, contributing to the staggering amount of waste.
To combat this issue, many experts recommend establishing two standardized phrases for date labels: “Best if used by” to indicate freshness and “Use by” to indicate safety. Implementing these standards at the federal level could potentially prevent approximately 398,000 tons of food waste annually.
Moving Toward Better Practices
Some supermarkets in the UK have already taken steps to remove date labels on produce, encouraging consumers to trust their judgment. Moreover, policies that incentivize grocery stores and restaurants to donate unsold food can help reduce waste. Sadly, confusion around date labels has led at least 20 U.S. states to limit donations of food past its labeled date, even though federal law supports these donations.
Countries like France have gone even further, mandating supermarkets to donate unsold food.
Tips for Reducing Food Waste
Ultimately, the best way to prevent food waste is to eat what you buy! Remember to use your eyes, nose, and taste buds to decide whether food is fit for consumption or should go to the compost bin.
By being more mindful and informed about food expiration dates, you can help reduce waste and make the most of what you purchase. For more insights on food waste and safety, consider checking out resources from trusted organizations like the USDA or EPA.