‘Best Before’ labels scrutinised as food waste concerns grow globally
Growing global awareness of the issue of food waste has brought attention to a specific contributor: “best before” labels. These labels, used by manufacturers for decades to indicate peak freshness, are distinct from “use by” labels found on perishables like meat and dairy. Unlike the latter, “best before” labels do not indicate safety and may inadvertently lead consumers to discard perfectly edible food.
Patty Apple, a manager at the nonprofit organization Food Shift in Alameda, California, emphasizes that people often misinterpret these dates, assuming that the food is no longer suitable for consumption. To address this concern, major UK chains like Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and Marks & Spencer have recently removed “best before” labels from prepackaged fruits and vegetables. The European Union is also considering an overhaul of its labeling laws, potentially eliminating “best before” labels entirely.
In the United States, there is no comparable movement to eliminate “best before” labels. However, there is a growing effort to standardize the language on date labels to educate consumers about food waste. This initiative includes support from major grocers, food companies, and bipartisan legislation in Congress.
The United Nations estimates that 17% of global food production is wasted annually, with a significant portion originating from households. In the US, up to 35% of available food goes uneaten, contributing to wasted resources and increased greenhouse gas emissions in landfills.
Consumer confusion over “best before” labels is estimated to account for 7% of US food waste, equivalent to 4 million tons annually. Date labels, adopted widely in the 1970s, lack federal regulations, allowing manufacturers to determine when their products are deemed freshest. While the Food and Drug Administration recommends standardized phrases like “best if used by” and “use by,” adherence is voluntary, resulting in diverse label language, from “sell by” to “enjoy by.”
Efforts are underway to encourage consumers to rely on sensory cues and common sense rather than strictly adhering to date labels. Some UK grocery chains have shifted to “best before” labels for store-brand milk and yogurt, emphasizing freshness over a fixed consumption deadline.
In the US, Walmart and some other chains have adopted standardized labels, but federal policy remains absent. State laws further complicate the issue, with various regulations on different products and label types. Some companies, like Unilever, support congressional legislation that would standardize date labels and facilitate food donations beyond the quality date.
Clarity in labeling and donation regulations could benefit nonprofits like Food Shift, which repurposes rescued food for culinary training and even creates dog treats from surplus ingredients. Despite being a small aspect of the broader food waste problem, addressing expiration date labels can have a significant impact in reducing waste.
