Do you toss food once the date on the label has passed? Experts say that’s often a waste
Summary
Many people throw away food once the date on the label passes, but experts say this often wastes perfectly good food. In the U.S., food date labels are not about safety but about food quality and freshness, and these labels vary widely with no national standards except for baby formula. California has passed a law to simplify labels to two types: one for quality and one for safety.Key Facts
- Most food date labels, like “Best By” or “Sell By,” refer to quality, not food safety.
- Over 50 different date label phrases are used on food packages across the U.S.
- There are no federal rules standardizing these date labels except for baby formula.
- About 80% of U.S. consumers sometimes throw away food based on date labels.
- Some foods, like canned goods or shelf-stable plant milks, are safe long after the date on their package.
- Dry foods like crackers and cereals last a long time because low moisture prevents bacteria growth.
- California passed a law to require food manufacturers to use only two labels: one indicating quality and one for safety.
- Experts encourage people to use smell and taste to judge whether food is still good rather than relying only on date labels.
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