What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates

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Food waste is a global issue:

🗑️ Americans waste over 100 billion pounds of food annually
💸 The average family loses $1,500+ per year
🌱 Wasted food in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas

Simplified date labeling could cut waste by over 800,000 tons per year (ReFED estimate).

✅ Tips to Reduce Food Waste

  • Learn label meanings

  • Stop tossing good food

  • Store food properly

  • Extend freshness (e.g., herbs in water, berries washed in vinegar)

  • Use the FIFO method — “First In, First Out” to use older items first

  • Freeze extras — bread, milk, cooked meals, even cheese

  • Compost scraps — turn peels and coffee grounds into garden gold

🥣 Pro Tip: Make a “Use Me First” bin in your fridge for items nearing their date.

❌ Debunking the Myths

❌ “Expiration dates are set by the government.”
False — they’re mostly set voluntarily by manufacturers.

❌ “One day past the date = dangerous.”
Not true — spoilage takes time and depends on storage.

❌ “All moldy food must be thrown away.”
Not always — hard cheeses and firm veggies can be trimmed.

❌ “If it looks okay, it’s safe.”
Risky — some harmful bacteria (like listeria) don’t change appearance.

Final ThoughtsContinue reading…

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