Understanding and addressing food waste from confusion in date labeling using a stakeholders’ survey

Abstract

Food waste is a significant global challenge for the humanity and environment. Different agencies world-wide are trying to reduce food waste in several ways. Of the reasons behind food waste, consumer level waste is significant, often hard to track, but can be a very critical contributor to food security if prevented. Food waste due to confusion in date labeling is one such way that consumers waste food. Currently, there are about 50 different types of date labels in use in the United States of America (USA) and they are not regulated. Due to the complex nature of consumer level food waste, our multi-disciplinary team of researchers conducted a stakeholder needs assessment survey (n = 123) to better understand the existing confusion over date labels. Our survey results indicate that majority of the stakeholders (75% of responses received in this category) are confused about the date labeling and associate it with food safety and feel unsafe to consume foods beyond the date indicated on the labels. The stakeholders think that better understanding the science behind such date labels and potential application of modern technology such as a mobile phone app, targeted community outreach education, social media, and print materials may help reduce food waste, which in turn would positively contribute to global food security. • A stakeholders' survey was conducted in the farm-to-fork continuum. • Respondents confuse date labels with food safety. • A multi-disciplinary approach, novel use-inspired technology, and community level intervention are key to reduce food waste.