FOOD EXPIRATION DATES DON’T MEAN WHAT YOU THINK

What about those hamburger buns from last year's picnic? Or milk that's beyond its sell-by date? How about carrots that have become less crisp?

Across the globe, there's a significant issue of food wastage, and the United States ranks among the major contributors to this problem. Within the US, approximately 37% of food waste originates from individual households. Interestingly, about 20% of this discarded food is a result of consumers struggling to decipher the labelling dates. However, many of these discarded items are still perfectly edible. So, if these dates don't indicate spoilage, what purpose do they serve?

Before the 20th century, the journey from food production to consumption was more straightforward, and people relied on their senses—sight, smell, and touch—to determine freshness. Nevertheless, with the advent of supermarkets carrying processed foods, accurately assessing the age of products became more complex. In the US, grocers started using packaging codes to track the duration for which items were on the shelves. Eventually, in the 1970s, consumers began advocating for access to this information.

A system widely adopted by supermarkets, known as open dating, remains in use today. In this system, food manufacturers or retailers affix dates to products to indicate their optimal freshness. However, this measure is not related to expiration dates or food safety. Remarkably, it is often established without substantial scientific basis, and there are typically no regulations governing the selection of these dates. Consequently, many producers and retailers tend to err on the side of caution by setting these dates conservatively, aiming to ensure that customers experience their products at their peak quality, leading to repeat purchases.

This practice means that numerous foods remain safe for consumption well beyond the dates specified on their labels. Items like aging cookies, pasta, and other shelf-stable groceries might lose their original freshness but are not inherently hazardous to health. Canned foods can maintain their safety for extended periods, as long as there are no signs of bulging or rusting. The chilly temperatures of freezers effectively suppress the growth of bacteria responsible for causing foodborne illnesses, allowing properly stored frozen meals to be preserved indefinitely.

Refrigerated eggs can remain suitable for consumption for up to five weeks, and any spoilage is readily detectable by the presence of a telltale odor. Likewise, spoiled produce can be identified by off-putting odors, slimy textures, and the presence of mold.

Naturally, there are instances where it's wiser to prioritize caution. The USDA advises consuming or freezing meat within a few days of purchase. In addition to the printed dates, certain items like ready-to-eat salads, deli meats, and unpasteurized cheeses have a higher likelihood of harboring harmful bacteria that might not be detectable through smell or taste. Moreover, the dates on infant formula are regulated to ensure safety. However, while a portion of these labels serves their purpose effectively, the majority of them do not.

In a survey conducted in 2019, involving over 1,000 Americans, it was revealed that over 70% of respondents rely on date labels to determine the edibility of food, and almost 60% indicated they would discard any food that had exceeded these dates. This pattern is also commonly observed among restaurants and grocery stores. To address this significant issue of waste, numerous experts propose the implementation of regulations mandating the use of one of two standardized phrases for date labels.

The suggested options for standardized date labels include:

• "Best if used by," signifying optimal freshness, or

• "Use by," signifying safety.

Although not flawless, this approach has potential benefits. According to estimates from US researchers, establishing these standards at a national level might help avert approximately 398,000 tons of food waste every year. Additionally, grocers could consider the approach taken by certain UK supermarket chains, which involves removing date labels from produce to encourage consumers to rely on their own discretion. Furthermore, there is a growing consensus among experts in favor of implementing policies that offer incentives for both grocers and restaurants to donate surplus food.

Presently, the ambiguity surrounding date labels has prompted a minimum of 20 US states to impose limitations on the donation of food beyond its labelled date, despite federal regulations actually safeguarding such contributions. In countries like France, regulations are even more stringent, mandating that numerous supermarkets donate unsold food. Irrespective of governmental decisions, the most effective method to curb food wastage remains simple: consume what you purchase!

Additionally, remember that your senses—sight, smell, and taste—often provide ample guidance to determine whether food is suitable for consumption or should be designated for composting.