Consumer Confusion About Food Date Labels Leads to Increased Food Waste Across the United States

Rising Confusion Over Food Date Labels and Its Consequences

In a recently published survey, it was revealed that a staggeringly high percentage of U.S. consumers are discarding food items based on their date labels, a trend that has worsened since a similar survey in 2016. Conducted by researchers from esteemed institutions such as Harvard Law School and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, this latest survey sheds light on the critical issue of food waste in America.

Survey Findings

The survey, carried out between January 10-14, 2025, involved over 2,000 adults from across the United States. Alarmingly, 43% of respondents reported they usually or always discard food close to or past its labeled date, a significant jump from 37% reported in 2016. Furthermore, 88% admitted to discarding food at least occasionally, up from 84% five years earlier. These findings highlight a growing trend of food waste amid rising food prices.

In response to the data, Dana Gunders, president of ReFED, emphasizes, "As consumers are attempting to manage their budgets effectively in the face of soaring food costs, getting a grip on food date labels is essential for reducing unnecessary waste."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates that most food remains safe for consumption even after the printed date. Misinterpretations surrounding these date labels lead to an estimated three billion pounds of food being discarded in the U.S. annually, valued at close to $7 billion. The study advocates for a standardized system of food date labels as a viable solution to mitigate this issue.

Misinformation and Misunderstandings

Despite 87% of participants expressing confidence in their understanding of various date labels, a quiz revealed that only 53% managed to answer correctly. The survey also indicated that understanding varied across different food types, posing risks for food safety. For instance, people may choose to retain certain foods they fear are expired, like deli meats, while discarding perfectly edible items, such as cereals, based on misinterpretations.

A notable finding of the survey can be seen in the 44% of the participants who incorrectly believed that the formulation of food date labels was federally regulated. In reality, only the labels on infant formula fall under such regulations. This gap in knowledge predominantly affects economically vulnerable groups, showcasing significant implications for public policy.

Call for Federal Regulation

With food prices at an all-time high, the need for reliable labeling has never been more pressing. The USDA and FDA's public request for information on this subject points towards a systematic review of food date labels. Gunders underscores the urgency of having federally regulated, consistent food date labels to help consumers make informed decisions.