The article discusses the confusion surrounding food expiration dates and the resulting food waste, which accounts for about 30% of the food supply. It highlights that most dates like "sell by" and "best by" are not regulated by federal law and primarily serve as quality indicators. Only baby food and formula must be sold before expiration. The piece advises consumers to use their senses to evaluate food and suggests strategies from the United Nations for reducing food waste, like buying discounted food based on appearance and composting.
It's estimated that when it comes to food waste, approximately 30% of the food supply is destroyed because consumers find "sell by" and "best by" food dates frustrating and confusing.
The only foods that cannot be sold past their expiration date are baby formula and baby food, which highlights the leniency in rules for other food products.
Adding a 'best if used by,' 'freeze by date,' 'sell by' or 'use by' date is more of a courtesy for consumers and focuses on quality, not safety.
The United Nations' advice for minimizing food waste includes buying 'seconds,' or food that is discounted for reasons of appearance, which can help reduce the overall waste.
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