Utilize products beyond their expiration: certain items remain usable post their designated date of expiry
News Article: Understanding Expiration Dates: A Guide to Reducing Food Waste
In the kitchen, understanding the labels on our food products can be a crucial step in reducing food waste and maintaining food safety. Here's a breakdown of the two most common types of expiration dates: "Use by" and "Best before".
"Use by" Dates: A Matter of Food Safety
The "Use by" date is a critical indicator for food safety. It signifies that a product should not be consumed after this date as it may pose health risks. This label is typically found on highly perishable items such as fresh meat, fish, poultry, and milk products. Once past the "use by" date, food should be discarded regardless of its appearance or smell.
"Best before" Dates: A Guide for Quality
On the other hand, "Best before" dates indicate the period during a product retains its optimal taste, aroma, and texture. Foods are safe to eat after this date if they look, smell, and taste fine, but their texture, flavor, or nutritional value may have diminished. This label is common for pantry staples like cereals, canned goods, and baked products. Consumers can often use their sensory judgment to decide if the item is still good post "best before".
To reduce food waste, it's essential to strictly respect "use by" dates for safety reasons. Use the "best before" date as a guide for quality, allowing for consumption beyond that date if the product remains acceptable. Employ sensory checks (look, smell, taste) especially for "best before" products to avoid discarding safe and nutritious food unnecessarily.
In summary, "Use by" dates indicate a safety cut-off, while "Best before" dates indicate quality. Understanding these distinctions helps consumers make informed decisions, minimizing unnecessary waste while maintaining food safety.
| Date Type | Meaning | Safety Risk After Date? | Common for | Waste Reduction Advice | |--------------|-------------------|------------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Use by | Safety cut-off | Yes | Perishables (meat, dairy) | Do not consume after date | | Best before | Quality indicator | No (if product ok) | Shelf-stable foods, pantry items| Check food condition; consume if safe |
A 2017 study by Johns Hopkins University showed that misinterpreting "Use by" labels is one of the main reasons for discarding safe food, emphasizing the importance of understanding these labels. By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure a safer and more sustainable food environment.
- The "Use by" date on perishable items like fresh meat, fish, poultry, and milk products marks a critical safety cut-off, signifying that consumption after this date may pose health risks.
- In the food-and-drink sector, understanding the distinction between "Use by" and "Best before" dates is beneficial for maintaining both health-and-wellness and reducing food waste.
- In accordance with the guidelines for understanding expiration dates, it's recommended to use sensory judgement for pantry staples, like cereals, canned goods, and baked products, even after the "Best before" date, to avoid discarding safe and nutritious food unnecessarily.
