Tag: Use by dates

According to the Food and Drug Administration, consumer confusion regarding food date labels is believed to contribute to about 20% of food waste in the home. The 'sell-by' date is one of the most misunderstood labels, with many people mistakenly assuming it's the same as an expiration date. However, understanding the true meaning of sell-by dates can help reduce waste and ensure food safety.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, with date labeling confusion being a significant contributor. Understanding what a 'use by' date truly means for different types of fruit is key to reducing this waste without compromising safety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year. Knowing how to test if something is safe to eat is crucial for protecting your health and preventing such illnesses. While your senses can be helpful, they are not always reliable detectors of harmful bacteria, so it's essential to understand the difference between spoilage and contamination.

According to the Food Standards Agency, 'Best before' dates refer to food quality, not safety. Understanding the rules for Best before dates is crucial for preventing unnecessary food waste while ensuring the food you consume is still high-quality and safe to eat.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food left in the 'temperature danger zone' (40°F–140°F) for more than two hours can become unsafe to eat. Understanding the signs of spoilage is crucial for avoiding foodborne illness from ready meals, which offer convenience but can pose risks if mishandled.

A study by the Food Marketing Institute found that the average shopper misinterprets date labels, leading to billions of dollars in discarded goods. But what happens if you buy an expired product and don't notice until you get home? This common mistake can lead to a host of problems, from wasted money to serious health risks, depending on the item.

According to the CDC, *Listeria* is a leading cause of foodborne illness. Pre-packed sandwiches are convenient but raise questions about safety. This article explores whether these ready-to-eat meals are safe to consume and how to minimize health risks.

According to the British Medical Journal, between 1998 and 2018, 30% of anaphylaxis hospital admissions were triggered by food. For food packaged on site for retail sale, comprehensive labeling is crucial for public health and legal compliance.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a significant amount of food is wasted annually due to misunderstood date labels. When considering if it is safe to eat out of date fruit, the answer often depends more on its physical condition than the printed date.