The podcast explores the inconsistencies, confusion, and misconceptions surrounding date labels on food products. It discusses the need for a more specific labeling system for high-risk foods, the lack of scientific basis for date labels, and the resulting food waste in America. The episode also highlights the significance of taste in reducing food waste.
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Quick takeaways
Montana's stricter sell-by date regulations for milk lead to significant milk waste and higher prices compared to other states.
Date labels lack standardization across states, leading to food waste and consumer confusion.
Deep dives
Wasting Milk in Montana Due to Strict Sell-By Dates
Montana has stricter sell-by date regulations for milk compared to other states, requiring it to be thrown away just 12 days after pasteurization. This leads to a significant amount of milk being wasted. The law was implemented in the 1980s and hasn't been updated since then. As a result, the price of milk in Montana is about $2 per gallon higher than surrounding states. The strict date labeling laws in Montana and inconsistency across states contribute to food waste and do not necessarily ensure food safety.
Inconsistencies and Misunderstandings in Date Labels
Date labels on products, such as 'sell-by', 'best-by', and 'use-by', lack standardization and consistency across states and brands. Some states even restrict the sale or donation of food after the date, leading to unnecessary food waste. The labels were originally introduced to indicate freshness and quality, not safety. Consumers often misinterpret the labels and mistakenly believe that eating food past the date will make them sick. Research shows that a majority of consumers throw out food based on date labels, contributing to billions of pounds of food waste in America.
The Need for a Clear and Standardized Date Labeling System
To reduce food waste and improve understanding, there is a need for a standardized and simplified date labeling system. A suggested solution is adopting a two-tier labeling system: 'expires on' for foods that can become unsafe after a certain date (e.g., deli meats), and 'best if used by' for all other products. This system would provide clarity and guidance to consumers while still prioritizing food safety. Establishing a consistent and easy-to-understand date labeling system is crucial to achieving the goal of reducing food waste in the United States.
Date labels (e.g. “use-by”, “sell-by”, “best-by”, “best if used by,” “expires on”, etc.) are on a lot of products. Forty-one states require a date label on at least some food product, but there are huge inconsistencies, not just in the … Continue reading →
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