A recent study published in Waste Management reveals that many Americans are throwing away packaged food unnecessarily because they take the stamped date too seriously.
The study surveyed over 1,000 people, indicating that 84% of them discard food close to the package date, believing these dates are federally regulated and signify when the food becomes unsafe to eat. However, this is not true, as the labeling decisions are made voluntarily by food companies to help consumers gauge freshness, according to the USDA.
Here’s a breakdown of food labels and what they mean:
- “Best by” indicates peak flavor or quality.
- “Sell by” is for store display purposes.
- “Use by” is the last recommended day for peak quality.
Surprisingly, 42% thought “use by” referred to safety, and 19% believed the same for “sell by.” To address this confusion, some industry groups are advocating for a simplified two-date system: “best if used by” for freshness and quality and “use by” for the last safe day to eat highly perishable foods.
It’s crucial to note that no date on a package, according to the federal government, relates to safety.
Should you throw out food past its label date? Not necessarily. The date is about quality, not safety. Trust your senses, and if there are no noticeable changes in odor, flavor, or texture, it’s likely safe. Freezing is an excellent way to reduce waste, but the sooner you freeze an item, the better its freshness and quality upon thawing.
How long does pantry food last? Shelf-stable items can last indefinitely for safety, but freshness depends on the product. Canned goods may stay unaffected for years if unopened, while dried foods like pasta might lose freshness over time.
How about leftovers? Generally, leftovers should be discarded after about four days. Use your senses to detect any spoilage, and consult resources like the USDA’s FoodKeeper app if in doubt.
Remember, understanding food labels and using your senses can help reduce unnecessary food waste. Don’t toss it too soon!”