A recent Consumer Food Insights (CFI) Report from Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability sheds light on the impact of food date labels on consumer behavior, leading to unnecessary disposal of safe-to-eat or donate food. The nationwide survey of 1,200 consumers highlighted the confusion surrounding labels like “use by” and “best if used by,” with over 50% associating them with food safety and over 30% with food quality.

Lead author Joseph Balagtas, a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue, emphasized the lack of a standardized system for food date labeling in the U.S. Balagtas proposed a potential solution, suggesting that government-set standards could clarify meanings and reduce food waste. The reintroduced Food Date Labeling Act aims to achieve this by standardizing and streamlining language on labels, providing consumers with clearer distinctions between safety and quality considerations.

Currently, with the exception of baby formula, food date labels lack federal regulation, contributing to the annual disposal of over half a million tons of still-edible food. The proposed act aims to alleviate confusion, potentially saving consumers money and significantly reducing the substantial amount of food wasted in the United States.

The survey also delved into consumer perceptions of foodborne illness risks, revealing attitudes categorized as risk-averse, risk-neutral, and risk-loving. The report noted higher perceived risks of contracting a foodborne illness when dining out compared to home-cooked meals, aligning with actual data on illness incidence. Additionally, the study identified a gap in consumer perceptions of risk associated with different food items, highlighting discrepancies between perceived risks and actual data.

Elijah Bryant, co-author of the report, pointed out correlations between age, food-risk attitudes, and food insecurity rates. Risk-loving consumers reported engaging in risky food behaviors, emphasizing the need for targeted educational efforts. The study provides valuable insights into consumer trends and behaviors related to food sustainability, aiming to inform strategies for reducing food waste and promoting safer food practices.

Source:https://ag.purdue.edu/cfdas/data-resources/consumer-food-insights/