Every year, millions of tons of food are thrown away because of misunderstood labels. Studies show that over 80% of consumers believe “Best Before” means the product is unsafe after that date. In reality, it simply means it might not taste perfect.
This confusion leads to enormous waste. Perfectly good food ends up in landfills, while households spend unnecessary money replacing it. Canned goods, in particular, are among the most wasted — despite being some of the most durable food products available.
Learning how to read and interpret food labels isn’t just about thrift; it’s about sustainability. Reducing waste helps conserve resources and supports food security by ensuring edible products are used rather than discarded.
The Bottom Line:
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