If we want to end the food waste scandal, we have to get tough on misleading labels

Food waste is a global scandal of mind-boggling proportion: while millions still suffer from hunger and malnutrition, one third of the food produced worldwide is never eaten, representing a colossal waste of natural resources. And it’s not just the planet that feels the strain when we waste food: UK households together bin a hefty £13billion worth of food each year, or £470 per household.

For consumers to play their part, it’s crucially important that they have accurate and clear information. But date labels that purport to do just that – the ‘Best before’ and ‘Use By’ – are woefully inadequate. Consumer surveys show that confusion about labels plays a part in one third of cases of premature food disposal.

Much remains to be done to raise awareness about the difference between ‘Use by’ and the ‘Best Before’, the former for food safety, the latter to product quality. But date labels as they currently stand lead to waste in ways that cannot be solved through consumer education alone. Food businesses’ approach to their date labelling must also be carefully scrutinised. Food safety and hygiene regulations clearly prohibit misleading labels. If a business is using a conservative label to minimise the risk of complaints, it may well be providing inaccurate information. If we’re serious about putting an end to the food waste scandal, it’s time to get

Carina Millstone is the author of ‘Frugal Value’ and serves as Executive Director of Feedback, the environmental organisation campaigning for a waste-free global food system.