The Expiry Date Lie: How ‘Use By’ Labels Are Feeding a Waste Crisis
Australians throw out nearly 7.6 million tonnes of food every year, much of it perfectly edible. A major culprit? Confusing and overly cautious food date labels like “best by” and “use by.” While these labels may seem like essential safety guidelines, they’re often more about protecting manufacturers’ reputations than consumer health.
“Use by” dates are technically meant for food safety, usually found on perishable items like meat and dairy. “Best by” dates, on the other hand, refer to food quality — taste, texture, and freshness — not safety. But here’s the catch: most consumers don’t understand the difference. As a result, mountains of edible food end up in bins, contributing to climate change, water waste, and unnecessary grocery bills.
These labels became widespread in the 1970s, initially in the UK and US, largely driven by supermarkets trying to standardise stock rotation and avoid customer complaints. It was a commercial decision, not a scientific or health-based one. Over time, the food industry embraced it to shift liability and ensure brand control. No company wants their stale crackers to spark bad reviews — even if they’re still safe to eat.
Food businesses are incentivised to encourage earlier disposal to push sales. A tin of tomatoes “best by June 2024” might last until 2026, but the manufacturer wins when you toss it and buy another.
But here’s the truth: our senses are better indicators than arbitrary dates. Smell, look, and texture can usually tell you more than a printed label. Sour milk smells off. Mould on bread is visible. If a tin is bulging or leaking, it’s spoiled. Dry goods like rice, pasta, or biscuits? Often fine for months or years past the date.
If we want to reduce food waste, Australia must overhaul its labelling laws. France and Denmark are already considering scrapping “best before” dates on shelf-stable goods. It’s time we followed suit and introduced consumer education around food assessment.
Supermarkets and brands will resist — they benefit from accelerated consumption. But our landfills, wallets, and food security tell a different story. It’s time to stop throwing away good food because a label told us to.
