The best-before date for food
The label on the packaging of food indicates how long it can be kept. Sometimes food is disposed of too early, even though it is still edible. According to a survey by Purdue University in the US, consumers have different attitudes towards the safety of food and its best-before date depending on their risk affinity.
Best-before date is not the same as use-by date
By definition, the best-before date (BBD) is the date up to which the manufacturer guarantees specific properties of unopened food, such as smell, taste and nutritional values, if stored correctly throughout. The best-before date does not apply to opened food packaging, as oxygen, moisture and microorganisms can cause food to spoil more quickly.
Very perishable foods, such as minced meat, fresh fish, pre-cut salads or pre-cut fruit, are marked with the use-by date. It indicates the last day on which the food can still be sold and consumed, otherwise there is a health risk from germs.
Unlike in the EU, there is no official standard for the uniform labeling of food with the best-before date in the USA, so consumers in different regions are often confused.
Consumer behavior and risk appetite
The Congressional Research Service has reported that 7% of all food waste in the US is due to date labeling confusion. In response, Purdue University conducted a survey of around 1,200 consumers across the US to understand their perceptions of date labeling on food. According to the November 2023 Consumer Food Insights Report, which captured the results of the survey, more than half of respondents associate best-before dates with food safety, while more than 30% believe these labels are related to food quality.
In addition, many respondents said that the risk of foodborne illness would be higher for them when eating food in a restaurant than when eating food they prepare themselves at home. Consumers who are more risk-averse about their food are more likely to eat home-cooked meals. In general, younger people tend to eat unwashed fruit and vegetables, undercooked meat and raw dough.
Our Tentamus laboratories can help
The Tentamus Group laboratories specialize in analyzing food for safety and marketability in accordance with current regulations. In addition to labeling tests, we also check the specified best-before date or use-by date.
Source: Yumda