Experts say misleading expiration dates lead to massive food waste

SAN DIEGO — Experts warn that confusing expiration dates on food packaging are causing families to waste thousands of dollars annually on perfectly edible food. A recent study by nonprofit ReFED found that in 2023, nearly 74 million tons of food were wasted in the United States, accounting for 31% of all food produced in the country.

Kate Garrett, Director of Supply Chain at Feeding San Diego, explains that the variety of labels such as “best by,” “use by,” and “sell by” often perplex consumers, leading them to discard food prematurely. “It’s tough for the typical consumer to really know what to use and how quickly to use the food that’s sitting in their fridge or sitting on their counter,” Garrett said.

Experts emphasize that many of these dates are not related to food safety but rather to quality or inventory management. For instance, “best if used by” dates indicate peak quality, not safety, while “sell-by” dates are intended for retailers, not consumers.

To address this issue, California is set to become the first state to implement clear standards for reducing food waste. Starting July 1, 2026, the use of “sell by” dates will be banned, and only two categories will be allowed: “best if used by” for peak quality and “use by” for food safety.

Feeding San Diego is combating food waste by utilizing the Food Keeper app, which provides extended consumption dates for various products. “The Food Keeper app might say, ‘Oh, you can consume this up to five years past the date on the package,’” Garrett explained. This approach has allowed the organization to distribute over 33 million pounds of food last year, with 91% being rescued food.

Experts recommend that consumers educate themselves about the true meaning of expiration dates and consider using tools like the Food Keeper app to make informed decisions about food consumption, potentially saving money and reducing waste in the process.

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