Do you toss food once the date on the label has passed? Experts say that’s often a waste

Many individuals discard food items based on the date printed on their packaging, but experts argue that this often results in wastage. The issue stems from the lack of federal regulations mandating standardized labels for food dates, aside from baby formulas. Consequently, terms like "Best Before," "Best By," "Best If Used By," "Enjoy By," and "Sell By" can be perplexing for consumers.

California has taken steps to clarify this matter by enacting a new law that mandates food manufacturers to utilize just two labels: one for quality and another for safety. To assist in understanding food date labels and preventing the disposal of perfectly good food, here are a few tips.

According to a 2019 study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, over 50 distinct date labels are utilized in the United States. These labels are determined by the food manufacturer and indicate when the product is expected to taste its best, rather than its safety.

Unopened canned food, such as beans, tomatoes, fruits, vegetables, and other shelf-stable items, can remain safe to consume for years following the date stamped on its label. Similarly, milk alternatives like soy milk or almond milk, as well as any food that has undergone heat treatment and is sealed to maintain safety without refrigeration, can also stay edible for a prolonged period.