According to the FDA, Americans (both industry and individual consumers) are throwing away approximately 1/3 of our food, or about $161 billion each year. In the home, uncertainty about the meaning of the dates on packaged food labels is believed to contribute to about 20% of food waste. Expiration dates on food and drinks can be confusing to consumers as they try to translate the language. The difference in date code language (Best By, Use By, and Best If Used By) leads to consumer confusion. This leads to increased waste as foods that are still safe to eat are thrown out. Improving the clarity of date label instructions is one way to address food waste.
In 2020, to help reduce consumer confusion and waste, AWG Brands implemented standardized code dating on all private brand products. Packaged, shelf stable foods and beverages are labeled with “BEST if Used By” as an indication of product quality. “USE By” is used on products that are time or temperature sensitive or might have possible food safety implications. Products with a “USE By” should be discarded once the date has been reached. AWG Brands is doing its part to decrease waste and increase sustainability.
