The Expiration Date Lie: 80% of People Throw Away Perfectly Good Food

An article about the phenomenon of food waste due to confusion between expiration dates and quality indicators. Experts explain that most products are safe to eat even after the date, and that senses can be used to decide. An example of legislation in California and digital tools for assistance is provided.

An article on Channel 14 presents the widespread phenomenon of food waste in Israel, resulting from consumer confusion between expiration dates and quality indicators. According to the article, 80% of people throw away perfectly good food just because the date has passed. Experts from Rutgers and Johns Hopkins universities explain that the dates refer to quality, not safety, and that senses (smell and taste) can be used to evaluate dry products. However, meat, chicken, and fish require extra caution due to bacterial sensitivity. The article mentions legislation in California to regulate labels and recommends the FoodKeeper app as a tool. The article does not include specific Israeli statistics or interviews with local officials.