Food is Best IF Eaten
“Is this still OK to eat?”
That’s the question consumers face on a daily basis when confronted with the date labels on food. Confusion about what date labels do—and don’t—mean is a major contributor to uneaten food, especially among consumers. As such, efforts to standardize, streamline, and simplify date labels have become a core part of the food waste reduction playbook. – ReFED
Dates on food labels are mostly about quality, not safety. “Best by” indicates the food will taste best before that date.
“Use by” can be confusing, because it can indicate quality or a safety risk—there’s no way to know for sure on the label.
“Sell by” is for stores, to take the food off the shelves by a certain date. But this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad for you after that date.
Forty Percent of All Food in America is Wasted.
The efforts to reduce food waste are long standing
Message still resonates today
The top levels of the hierarchy are the best ways to prevent and divert wasted food
because they create the most benefits for the environment, society and the economy.
Food Loss and Waste from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Learn more about what causes food loss and waste and how to be part of the solution.
1 in 4 people in Monterey County are hungry.
Empower A Hunger-Ending Network
Monterey County Foodbank
353 W Rossi St. Salinas, CA 93907
(831) 758-1523
Let’s Save The Food
Food is being wasted at an alarming rate.
And we – consumers – are the largest source. More than grocery stores and restaurants combined.
But there’s good news:
we can do something about it.
Store Smart! Save More!
StillTasty’s searchable database reveals shelf life information for virtually every food and beverage found in the average kitchen.
Keep It or Toss It?
How long will your favorite food or beverage stay safe and tasty? What’s the best way to store it? Get the answers for thousands of items!
