When the best before date disappears from packaging, less food is wasted.
This is shown by research by the University of Wageningen. When the best before date disappears for long-life products, 12 percent less food is thrown away. If the date is replaced by the text 'long shelf life', even 31 percent less food is thrown away.
The research was carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Agreements must be made within the EU to combat food waste. In the fight against food waste, the Netherlands is arguing for an extension of the list of products that do not require an expiration date.
The difference between THT and TGT
There is a lot of uncertainty about the difference between THT and TGT. Products marked with a best before date are not necessarily spoiled after that date. The date is a lower limit and not an upper limit. Because of the confusion, people are more likely to throw away products that are still perfectly edible.
