By Marilyn Collins
The Food Manufac-turers’ Institute (FMI) “2011 Trends Survey” found that 13% of participants reportedly believe that eating food past its sell-by date is not a serious health risk; 10% reportedly believe that eating food past its best-by date is a serious health risk and 25% of people always discard food when it is past its sell-by date. The survey also revealed some misinterpretation of date markings intended for retailers (purchased by consumers and consumed off premises) versus those intended for consumers.
The need for clear interpretation of date marks could help consumers make informed decisions on the usefulness of a food based on its shelf life.
The lack of harmonization of date marking terminology contributes to misunderstanding in the marketplace and in the home resulting in inappropriate responsive action by regulators and consumers alike. The multiplicity of terms for date markings include but are
