M
any consumers are confused by the
date code definitions found on food
and beverage packaging. What do ‘Best
By’, ‘Use By’ and ‘Sell By’ really mean?
According to research carried out by the U.S. Congress,
a large number of consumers are misunderstanding
these date code definitions and as a result, packaged
food is becoming landfill while it is still edible and safe
to consume.
The study indicated that confusion around these date
definitions has led up to 90% of people living in the
U.S. to occasionally throw out food that is still safe and
edible. According to the report, wasted food “costs
consumers and industry money, squanders important
natural resources that are used to grow, process, distribute, and store the food supply of the United States,
and represents a missed opportunity to feed the millions of food insecure households in the United States
that are struggling to access healthy, affordable food.”
To address this issue, legislation has been proposed in
the U.S. to standardise and clarify food labelling in a
bid to minimise confusion and unnecessary food
waste. This also involves a consumer education drive to
support the Bill, if it is passed.
In South Africa, many consumers also find date definitions confusing. At present, here is a reminder of what
“Best By”, “Use By” and “Sell By” dates on packaging
really mean:
‘Best By’: The date by which a product will no longer retain its ideal quality. This does not necessarily
mean that it is not safe to eat.
‘Use By’: Similar to “Best By”, this is a date by