Sell-By Dates

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Sell-by dates labeled on products that grocery stores sell the lead to massive wastage of food and money every year in the US. The Natural Resources Defense Council has published a report that discusses how Americans are throwing away food before they go bad. The reason behind this is the ignorance about these expiry dates. Grocery stores’ attendants and owners do not understand the meaning of expiry dates. Consumers also believe that sell-by dates show food safety guidelines, not knowing the dates do not relate to food-related illness or poisoning. Grocery stores should donate pre-expired food, and this research paper explains why this should happen.“An indication of sell-by dates started in the 1970s as consumers demanded to know how food …show more content…
The first category is the avoidable type. We can easily prevent such food items from going bad. Food might go wrong if we store them improperly, over-prepare, or spoil them. We need to understand why these food products go wrong so that we can avoid such. “An example is a lasagna that one leaves on the tray every time. The second category is the possibly avoidable type” (Holweg et al. 634). Such food products appear inconsumable, but one can repurpose their use. Beet tops, spinach, and collard greens can be prepared before their expiry. Stale bread can also be breadcrumbs. Lastly, the specific category includes lousy food that can be used as animal feed, manure, or anaerobic digestion. Examples of these food products are bananas. For the types of expiration dates, we should make corrections on misconceptions surrounding expiry dates for food products. The process might be complicated, but it shall help make clarifications to some extent. We can start re-educating the public by making them understand the types of expiry dates. The first date is known as “Best by” or in other words “Use by.” Consumers use these dates to know when food products are still fresh enough for consumption. The date does not imply that these goods have spoiled. The food products are still very safe for consumption. Another date is known as “Sell by.” The date is for wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers. Consumers should not feel concerned because the information is not meant for them. The time is a tool for marketing and stocking purposes to increase product turnover. When a consumer purchases these goods, they still have an extended period of use. It is sad how many consumers get concerned about these dates as they make their decisions during purchase. There is a recommendation that these dates should not be availed to consumers."It's a confusing subject, the difference between food quality and food safety. Even in the food industry, I have