Food waste: the importance of reading labels correctly

Knowing how to distinguish between "best before" and "best before" helps you avoid throwing away foods that are still suitable for consumption. The Istituto Superiore di Sanità also reminds us of the importance of respecting the conservation methods and instructions after opening

Food waste can also be combated through a simple and daily gesture: reading food labels correctly. Understanding the information on the packaging allows you to prevent products that are still fit for consumption from being disposed of unnecessarily.

Day against food waste

On the occasion of the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste, celebrated on 29 September, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) draws attention to the importance of correctly interpreting indications such as "best before" and "best before", as well as respecting storage methods and instructions after opening. The anniversary, established by the United Nations, underlines the need to intervene along the entire food chain, from production to domestic consumption. The 2026 edition highlights the potential impact of reducing food loss and waste. "Reducing food waste – underlines Laura Rossi, director of the Nutrition, Food and Health Department of the ISS – means making better use of resources, but also contributing to food safety, the quality of the diet and the sustainability of food systems".

The difference between expiry and minimum shelf life

According to the ISS, the terms "best before" and "best before" do not have the same meaning and are often confused. The first indication concerns particularly perishable foods from a microbiological point of view and is directly linked to safety. It is also essential to respect the storage conditions indicated on the label. The meaning of the wording "best before", which indicates the minimum shelf life, is different. Until that date the food maintains its specific characteristics if correctly stored. After the indicated term it may gradually lose some qualities, such as aroma, fragrance, consistency or colour, without automatically becoming unsafe or destined to be thrown away. Despite this, in Italy 36% of the population does not know the difference between the two indications.

A misunderstanding that weighs on waste

"Understanding this difference is also important for the prevention of waste – adds Laura Rossi –. The European Commission estimates that up to 10% of the food waste produced every year in the EU can be linked to date marking and its interpretation and management along the supply chain. The first message to remember is therefore very simple: we don't just look at the date, but we always also read the words preceding it".

Storage and use

To correctly interpret a label it is not enough to check the date. It is also necessary to pay attention to storage methods. Indications such as "keep in the refrigerator", "keep in a cool, dry place" or "protect from light" have a precise function. Failure to comply with the required conditions may reduce the life of the product and, in some cases, compromise its safety. Particular attention should also be paid to the instructions after opening the package. Once opened, in fact, the product may require different storage conditions and have a much shorter shelf life than that of the intact package. Indications such as "after opening, keep in the refrigerator and consume by..." therefore become essential for the correct use of the food and to avoid waste.

From shopping to pantry

Reading labels becomes even more effective if accompanied by good purchasing management. The ISS suggests always checking the refrigerator, freezer and pantry before doing the shopping, so as to avoid unnecessary or duplicate purchases. Once home, it is useful to place the foods to be consumed first in the foreground, leaving those with a longer shelf life at the bottom. Even at the time of purchase it is not always necessary to choose the package with the furthest expiry date. If you plan to consume the product in the short term, opting for a closer date can help reduce the risk of that food remaining unsold.

The five checks to do before throwing away food

Before eliminating the product, the ISS invites you to check some fundamental aspects: What exactly does the date say? "Best before" or "best before"? They are two indications with different meanings; How was it preserved? We check that the temperatures and other conditions indicated on the packaging have been respected; Is the packaging still intact? We check the integrity of the packaging and the possible presence of anomalies; Has it already been opened? If yes, we look for specific indications on the label on conservation and consumption time after opening; Can we plan to use it right away? Highlighting foods to be consumed first, including them in the next meal or using them in the preparation of other recipes can prevent them from being forgotten. "Warning: these controls must not be used to decide to consume a food beyond the use by date", concludes the ISS.