Expiration Dates Explained: Are You Throwing Away Food Too Soon?

Understanding this matters because food waste has become a major issue. In the United States, an estimated 30–40% of food goes uneaten every year, often ending up in landfills. Much of this waste comes from confusion over date labels, leading people to discard items that are still usable. This isn’t just tough on household budgets—it also impacts the environment. Producing food requires water, energy, and transportation, all of which go to waste when food is thrown away unnecessarily. Thankfully, there are simple ways to cut down on this waste. Paying attention to proper storage, using airtight containers for dry goods, keeping refrigerators at safe temperatures, and freezing items we won’t use soon can all make a noticeable difference.

Continue READING