A study by the Humboldt University in Berlin asked 51 German food companies about the major causes of food waste. The commonest causes were product defects, technical faults and expiry of the best-before date.
As the website NHS Choices explains: 'Best-before dates appear on a wide range of frozen, dried, tinned and other foods. Best-before dates are about quality, not safety. When the date is passed, it doesn't mean that the food will be harmful, but it might begin to lose its flavour and texture.'
Germany's agriculture minister wants to halve food waste by 2030. One possible way to achieve this goal is by eliminating the best-before dates. A Eurobarometer survey in 2015 showed that consumers across Europe found the dates confusing.
Food waste has become an important policy concern in Europe. Earlier this year, Scotland became the first country to set a target, committing to eliminate a third of food waste by 2025.
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Find out more about Sustain's campaigning work for a less wasteful food supply here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
