Stop throwing away! Understanding expiration dates to reduce waste and save money

Did you know that each year, " an estimated 1.2 million tons of edible food is lost or wasted, that is, food that should have been eaten" in Quebec (Recyc Québec ) ? Much of this waste comes from misinterpreting expiration dates. In this article, we explain how to understand these dates to better manage your food, reduce waste, and save money.

Understanding Expiration Dates

There are two types of dates on food packaging in Canada: the best-before date (BBD) and the best-before date . The BBD indicates a strict limit after which a perishable food, such as meat or fish, may pose a health risk. In contrast, the best-before date indicates the length of time during which a non-perishable product, such as cereal, retains its freshness and nutritional properties but can still be safely consumed after this date.

• DLC : Do not consume after this date.
• Best before : Foods that are safe but may have altered taste or texture after this date.

Foods that never expire

Some foods, if properly stored, can last indefinitely, even without refrigeration. These include:

• Honey : Known for its antibacterial properties, it remains edible even after centuries.
• Salt and sugar : As long as they are protected from moisture, they can be stored indefinitely.
• White rice : Retains its nutritional qualities for years if stored in a dry place.

Foods that can be stored long after the "Best Before" date

Some products can be consumed well beyond their "best before" date without any health risks. Here are some examples:

• Canned goods : As long as the can is not damaged, these products can be consumed several years after their expiration date.
• Pasta, rice, and cereals : Although their texture or taste may change slightly, they often remain good well after the date indicated.
• Chocolate : It may whiten slightly due to fat separation, but remains safe for several months after its "best before" date.

Foods that can be consumed a few days after the use-by date

Even after the best before date, some products remain edible for a few days if they have been stored properly:

• Yogurts : These can be eaten up to one week after the best before date, as long as they are well refrigerated.
• Eggs : If kept in the refrigerator, they can last several weeks past their best before date. Do the float test: if they sink in water, they're still good!
• Raw meats : Consume quickly after the best before date, but can sometimes be kept for one or two days longer if refrigerated at the correct temperature.

How to optimize food preservation

• Use freezing to extend the life of perishable foods.
• Organize your fridge by placing products with close dates at the front.
• Check the packaging : Once opened, some products deteriorate more quickly.

By learning how to better manage your expiration dates, you can not only avoid food waste but also consume safely.