Food date labels often leave consumers confused, leading to unnecessary waste. Many people toss out items based solely on the printed dates, even though they may still be safe to eat. The lack of federal regulations on these dates, with the exception of baby formula, contributes to the confusion.
In the U.S., more than 80% of consumers occasionally discard food before the “best by” date, according to a study. Many labels focus on quality rather than safety, prompting initiatives like California’s law, which standardizes food labels to “Best If Used By” for quality and “Use By” for safety.
Unopened canned and dry foods often remain safe long after their labels indicate, while meat requires careful handling. Organizations like The FoodKeeper can help consumers determine food freshness.
California is leading efforts to clarify food labeling, setting a precedent that may influence other states. Remember to trust your senses—smell, taste, and visually inspect food before deciding to discard it. And practice good food rotation to avoid waste.
