The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Why 'best before' food labelling is not best for the planet or your budget

  • Written by Louise Grimmer, Senior Lecturer in Retail Marketing, University of Tasmania
Why 'best before' food labelling is not best for the planet or your budget

UK supermarkets have removed “best before” dates[1] on thousands of fresh food products in an effort to reduce food waste.

One of the major supermarket chains, Sainsbury’s, is replacing these labels with product messaging that says “no date helps reduce waste[2]”.

Apples, bananas, potatoes, cucumbers and broccoli are among the most wasted foods. Removing “best before” labels from these foods alone will reduce waste by an estimated 50,000 tonnes a year[3].

In Australia we produce 7.6 million tonnes of food waste every year[4] – about 300kg per person. About 70%[5] of what we throw out is still edible. Why aren’t we following the UK’s example?

Read more: Scrapping use-by dates could prevent huge amounts of food waste – here's what else could help[6]

Some might worry about food safety. But two types of date labels – “best before” and “use by” – are used in Australia. “Use by” labels would still alert us to when food can no longer be regarded as safe to eat.

And consumers will still be able to assess the state of fresh produce for themselves.

Food waste has huge impacts

Food waste costs Australia A$36.6 billion a year[7].

This waste occurs right across the supply chain, including primary production, manufacturing, distribution, retail and hospitality. However, households produce more than half of the waste, at an average cost per household of A$2,000 to $2,500 a year.

In 2017, the Australian government pledged to halve food waste[8] by 2030 when it launched the National Food Waste Strategy[9].

This is a complex issue, but one simple solution could be to follow the UK and remove “best before” dates.

Read more: Want to reduce your food waste at home? Here are the 6 best evidence-based ways to do it[10]

How will you know if food is still safe?

Our labelling system is fairly straightforward, but many consumers don’t understand the difference between “best before” and “use by”. This confusion leads them to throw away tonnes of food that’s still suitable for eating.

In Australia, the regulatory authority Food Standards[11] provides guidance for manufacturers, retailers and consumers on using dates on product labels. These dates indicate how long food products can be sold, and kept, before they deteriorate or become unsafe to eat.

Food with a “best before” date can be legally sold and consumed after that date. These products should be safe, but may have lost some of their quality.

Products past their “use by date” are considered not safe.

The food supplier is responsible for placing date labels on the product.

Differences in packaging and date labelling can be subtle. For example, lettuce sold loose or in an open plastic sleeve does not have a “best before” date. The same lettuce packaged in a sealed bag does.

‘Best before’ assessments can be highly subjective. Shutterstock

Bread is the only fresh food that uses a different system with “baked on” or “baked for” date labels.

Some foods, such as canned goods and food with a shelf life of two years or more, don’t have to be labelled with “best before” dates because they usually retain their quality for many years. They are typically eaten well before they deteriorate.

Food producers and retailers are keen to keep the labelling status quo, because it makes it easier to manage stock[12] and encourages turnover[13].

The case for packaging

Some packaging is used to separate branded products such as fruit varieties protected by plant breeders’ rights[14], organic products and imperfect vegetable ranges. Once packaged, these products require a “best before” date.

Plastic packaging can greatly increase the shelf life of some vegetables. In these cases, it effectively reduces food waste. A striking example is cucumbers. Plastic wrap can extend their shelf life from a few days to two weeks[15].

Vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower contain beneficial anti-cancer compounds called glucosinolates[16]. Plastic packaging that seals in specialty gas[17] preserves these longer. However, overcooking quickly erases this packaging benefit.

box full of plastic-wrapped cucumbers
Plastic wrap greatly increases the shelf life of cucumbers. Shutterstock

Read more: Why some plastic packaging is necessary to prevent food waste and protect the environment[18]

Dead or alive?

The chemistry of a fruit or vegetable starts changing the moment it is picked. Some types of produce, such as bananas and pears, are picked early so they ripen in the shop and at home. Other produce, such as sweet corn and peas, rapidly decline in the quality and quantity of flavours and nutrients once they’re picked. Snap freezing is an excellent way to preserve this produce.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are still alive. Their cells remain full of chemical reactions and enzymatic activity.

This is why a cut apple turns brown. It’s also why ethylene gas released from bananas and other fruits can shorten the life of their neighbours in the fruit bowl.

Potatoes, one of the most wasted products, are sold with “best before” dates when packaged in plastic bags. But if stored correctly in low light and in a “breathable” bag (paper or hessian), potatoes stay “alive” and edible for months. Just make sure you cut away any green parts, which contain toxic solanine[19].

As well as fresh produce’s own cellular activity, there is microbial activity in the form of bacteria and fungi.

Fortunately, we come equipped with a number of evolved chemical sensors. We can feel, see, sniff and taste[20] the state of fruits, vegetables and other products. Trust (and train) your instincts.

Read more: Food expiration dates don't have much science behind them – a food safety researcher explains another way to know what's too old to eat[21]

Questions to ask yourself

To reduce food waste, we need a combination of approaches, including appropriate packaging, sensible labelling and consumer awareness.

Ideally, the Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code[22] would be updated to reflect a more nuanced view of packaged fresh foods.

In the short term, consumer awareness and buying power are the best drivers of change. Ask yourself questions like:

  • Do I need a packaged product?

  • Does the packaging enhance shelf life?

  • Would I buy less if it wasn’t packaged?

Thinking about these questions will help us reduce the impacts of food waste.

References

  1. ^ removed “best before” dates (metro.co.uk)
  2. ^ no date helps reduce waste (www.fruitnet.com)
  3. ^ 50,000 tonnes a year (wrap.org.uk)
  4. ^ 7.6 million tonnes of food waste every year (www.fial.com.au)
  5. ^ About 70% (workdrive.zohopublic.com.au)
  6. ^ Scrapping use-by dates could prevent huge amounts of food waste – here's what else could help (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ A$36.6 billion a year (workdrive.zohopublic.com.au)
  8. ^ pledged to halve food waste (www.dcceew.gov.au)
  9. ^ National Food Waste Strategy (www.dcceew.gov.au)
  10. ^ Want to reduce your food waste at home? Here are the 6 best evidence-based ways to do it (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ Food Standards (www.foodstandards.gov.au)
  12. ^ manage stock (www.vox.com)
  13. ^ encourages turnover (journals.sagepub.com)
  14. ^ plant breeders’ rights (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ few days to two weeks (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ glucosinolates (www.frontiersin.org)
  17. ^ specialty gas (www.food-safety.com)
  18. ^ Why some plastic packaging is necessary to prevent food waste and protect the environment (theconversation.com)
  19. ^ contain toxic solanine (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ feel, see, sniff and taste (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ Food expiration dates don't have much science behind them – a food safety researcher explains another way to know what's too old to eat (theconversation.com)
  22. ^ Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code (www.foodstandards.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/why-best-before-food-labelling-is-not-best-for-the-planet-or-your-budget-189686

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...