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Look at a can, look at the date… expired? TRASH! I mean, who would dare eat expired food?
Well, what if we told you that the food you just threw away was still good? That’s right. Perfectly edible food down the tube.
Sadly, you’re not the only one. According to a study from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), ninety percent of Americans misinterpret the dates on labels, whether it’s a “sell by,” “best if used by,” or “use by” label. Despite these labels you see, there are no federal regulations regarding the dates, (with an exception to baby formula). These dates are simply the manufacturer’s best guess on the item’s freshness, which is often times, very conservative.
These labels you see are a huge contributor to food waste in the U.S. In fact, according to Feeding America National Organization (FANO), $218 billion dollars worth of food is thrown away each year by manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, and everyday shoppers.
With all of the food being wasted, there are still over 41 million food-insecure people in America. If we all took the time to educate ourselves about those very labels and the ability we have to still consume items shortly after the expiration date, we could slowly, but surely reduce food waste and contribute to a more livable, sustainable, and food-rich community.
With the current state of the economy, and more recently, the government shutdown (that put over 800,000 workers in crisis mode), there is a great need to save money and resources while ensuring that families don’t feel like they are left without options when there are plenty of resources available.
Below is a list of categories that you can use to determine if what’s in your pantry is still safe to consume today, tomorrow, and maybe even next month!
3 months Juice
3 months Soft Drinks
3 months Snacks
3 months Candy (non-Hershey brand)
6 months Complete Meals (instant ramen, boxed mac & cheese)
6 months Cereal and oatmeal
6 months Baking Products
6 months Coffee and tea
1 year Canned Vegetables
1 year Condiments
1 year Oil
1 year Soups
1 year Canned Fruits
1 year Proteins with & without meat
1 year Starches
Whether you are directly affected by financial hardships, know someone who might need a little help, or just simply want to #stopfoodwaste, be sure to share this list with friends, family, and colleagues today!
For additional information on your local Inland Empire food bank, visit www.FeedingIE.org.
As a passionate advocate for reducing food waste and fostering sustainable practices, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the subject. My commitment to this cause is rooted in a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding expiration dates, food labeling, and their impact on both individual households and the broader community.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
Misinterpretation of Dates
The article highlights a study from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) revealing that ninety percent of Americans misinterpret the dates on food labels. These dates include "sell by," "best if used by," or "use by" labels. One crucial point to emphasize is the absence of federal regulations governing these dates, except for baby formula. This lack of standardization contributes to confusion among consumers.
Manufacturer's Best Guess
The piece underscores that these dates are the manufacturer's best guess at the item's freshness, often leaning toward a conservative estimate. This acknowledgment is crucial in debunking the myth that food is immediately unsafe after the indicated date.
Food Waste Impact
The article presents staggering statistics from the Feeding America National Organization (FANO), stating that $218 billion worth of food is discarded annually by manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, and consumers. This waste is a significant contributor to the ongoing issue of food insecurity, with over 41 million food-insecure people in America. This information emphasizes the urgency of addressing and rectifying the problem of food waste.
Categories for Determining Edibility
The article provides a valuable list of categories with recommended time frames for determining the safety of consuming various food items after the expiration date. This practical guide includes details such as 3 months for juice, soft drinks, snacks, and non-Hershey brand candy, and extends up to 6 months for items like complete meals, cereal, oatmeal, baking products, and coffee and tea. The list goes further to cover a year for canned vegetables, condiments, oil, soups, canned fruits, proteins with and without meat, and starches.
Call to Action
The concluding section of the article encourages readers to share this information with friends, family, and colleagues to collectively contribute to reducing food waste. The author highlights the relevance of this initiative, especially in the context of financial hardships and the recent government shutdown, stressing the need to save money and resources while ensuring that families have viable options.
In essence, this comprehensive overview underscores the importance of informed consumer choices, dispelling misconceptions surrounding food expiration dates, and actively participating in efforts to create a more sustainable and food-rich community.
