Expiration Waste

Expiration waste refers to the discarding of food once it has passed its expiration or best-before date, even if it is still safe to consume. This waste occurs frequently in both retail settings and households. In stores, items may not be sold before their expiration date, especially if they are not rotated properly or if demand for certain products is overestimated. In households, people may overbuy food without considering how much they can realistically consume before it expires, leading to unnecessary waste

Expiration Waste is cause by?

Overbuying
Consumers or businesses often purchase more than they can consume, leading to food sitting unused until it expires. This is common with bulk buying or impulse purchases without consideration of actual consumption needs.
Poor Inventory Management
nefficient stock rotation and failure to follow systems like FIFO (First In, First Out) can result in older items being left on shelves, leading to expiration before they are sold or used.
Misunderstanding of Expiration Dates
Many consumers discard food solely based on the expiration or best-before dates, even if the food is still safe to consume. This misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary waste.

SOLUTION

To prevent expiration waste, proper inventory management using the FIFO system, accurate demand forecasting, and correct storage conditions are key. Educating consumers on interpreting expiration dates and practising meal planning and portion control can reduce waste. Repackaging large portions, redistributing unsold food, and using preservation methods like freezing or drying also help extend shelf life. These strategies ensure food is consumed before it expires, minimizing waste in both households and businesses.

Learn more about the other food waste