Food waste poses a significant global challenge. Each year, we discard approximately one-third of all food produced, totaling about 1.3 billion tons. Many consumers however still don’t know what food is ‘too good to go‘ and which food should effectively be thrown away because it’s no longer safe to eat as they lack the understanding of ‘best before‘ labels. Misunderstanding food labels and neglecting perishable items often lead to unnecessary waste.
To put things into perspective, households account for 61% of global food waste, followed by food service (26%) and retail sectors (13%).
Decoding ‘Best Before’
Confusion over date labels is a major driver of household food waste. Many products carry a ‘Best Before‘ date, indicating when the food is at its peak quality – not when it becomes unsafe. After that date, the taste or texture might change slightly, but the food often remains perfectly edible. Too many people toss items the moment this date passes, when a quick check – looking, smelling, tasting – could confirm it’s still good.
How to Check Food
- Inspect Before You Toss: Check items past their ‘Best Before’ date in your pantry or fridge. Trust your senses to decide if they’re still usable.
- Plan Smarter: Buy only what you need and use leftovers creatively to stretch your meals further.
- Educate Others: Share what you learn about date labels and food waste—it’s a conversation that can inspire action.
If you want more tips on how to prevent food waste at home, check the article below.
Understanding Food Date Labels
Date labels on food can be confusing indeed, leading to unnecessary waste and potential health risks. Here’s a breakdown of labels used and their meaning.
Use By
This label indicates the last date recommended for consuming the product at its peak quality, as determined by the manufacturer. After this date, the food’s quality may decline, and it could pose health risks if consumed. For instance, infant formula must have a “Use By” date based on nutrient content testing, ensuring the formula’s nutritional value remains intact until that date. Consuming it afterward is not advised.
Best Before
As explained above, “Best Before” dates suggest when a product will be at its best flavor and quality. After this date, the food isn’t necessarily spoiled but might not taste as intended. For example, canned goods often have “Best Before” dates; consuming them past this date may result in diminished taste but not necessarily safety concerns.
Sell By
This date tells retailers how long to display the product for sale. It’s primarily for inventory management and doesn’t directly indicate safety. For example, dairy products often have “Sell By” dates; they are typically safe to consume for a period after this date if stored properly.
Freeze By
This label suggests when to freeze the product to maintain its best quality. For instance, fresh meats might have a “Freeze By” date to ensure optimal taste and texture when consumed later.
And remember this:
- Quality vs. Safety: Most dates indicate quality, not safety. Food past these dates isn’t necessarily unsafe. For example, dry pasta may lose flavor over time but remains safe to eat way beyond the “Best Before” date.
- Storage Matters: Proper storage can extend a product’s quality. For instance, refrigerating perishable items like milk can keep them fresh longer.
- Use Your Senses: Before discarding food, check for off smells, flavors, or appearances. For example, if yogurt smells sour or has mold, it’s time to toss it, regardless of the date.
The ‘Too Good To Go’ app
To address the food waste problem, there are solutions like the Too Good To Go app.
Too Good To Go is an app that connects consumers with businesses to rescue unsold food. From bakeries with leftover loaves to restaurants with surplus meals, the app lets you purchase “surprise packages” at a fraction of the original price. It’s a win-win: you enjoy affordable, delicious food, and perfectly good items are saved from the trash.
Founded in Denmark in 2015, this app connects consumers with businesses offering surplus food at reduced prices, effectively diverting edible food from landfills. As of March 2023, Too Good To Go operates in major European cities and North America, serving millions of users and partnering with thousands of businesses.
This simple idea has already rescued millions of meals worldwide, proving that small actions can ripple into big change.