Far too many food is thrown away. One of the reasons for the dumping is a misunderstanding concerning an indication on food items – the statutory best before date (BBD) or date of minimum durability. Almost the half of the foodstuff discarded due to an expired BBD ends up in the bin unopened. Although this is not necessary – a close look, a smelling, a cautious try are mostly enough to find out whether the food is still edible. The BBD is a quality date not a throw-away date. It has been prescribed by law since 1981 in Germany as aid to orientation for consumers. The correct storage of the products as well as the appropriate transport, for instance from grocery to home, are essential for the durability of food. When properly stored, the products can be eaten or drunk past their BBD in the vast majority of cases. When a food item has reached or exceeded the BBD, the customers can judge themselves if it is still edible. It is recommendable to throw away food showing clear changes in color, texture, smell or taste. Having passed the BBD is the reason for six percent of the discarded food, one third of it are dairy products. As soon as the package is open, the food is exposed to oxygen, moisture and microorganisms. Thus, it faster loses its freshness and durability. Nevertheless, you should always check out whether the food is still edible. On some food items, it is indicated how long they are edible after opening the package.
The EU Food Information Regulation lays down how the BBD must be indicated. According to it, the wording “best before…” is mandatory when the date includes the day. The formulation “Best before end” is used for a date without day. The best before date is an indispensable orientation for purchasing or storing processed and packed food products.