WEBINAR RECORDING April 16, 2021
Consumers are bombarded by a plethora of information on food labels, from explicit warnings to optimistic health claims.
Much of the information is mandated such as allergen content, lot codes, and content sizes. However, other label statements including ”Light”, “All natural”, and “No sugar added” are at the discretion of the food manufacturer.
One type of label statement that is a source of confusion for many consumers is the “Use by” date statement and its many variants.
In this presentation we will explore:
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Definitions and regulatory aspects of food product dating (lot codes, bar codes, expiration dates, pull dates, use by dates, born on dates, etc.)
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How are dates determined (regulatory vs. science vs. marketing)
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How do consumers interpret dates? Safety? Quality?
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Does food dating contribute to food waste?
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FDA efforts to harmonize food dating
Additional Resources
USDA Tips for Reducing Food Waste and Preventing Illness
Consumer Knowledge and Use of Open Dates: Results of a Web-Based Survey
FDA - Understanding Date Labels
Letter to the Food Industry on Prodct Date Labels
Egg Safety Center - Understanding Dates on Egg Cartons
He is recently retired from Oregon State University where he had been a Professor in the Food Science and Technology Dept. for the last 30 years.
His research efforts focused on food safety and fermentation science resulting in published articles and patents.
His teaching activities included developing and delivering courses in fermentation science and food safety for which he received the College of Agriculture’s outstanding teaching award.
His Extension program was focused on providing food processors the training and guidance needed for the safe manufacture of food.
He is an FDA and AFDO recognized Process Authority and reviews in excess of a hundred products on an annual basis. He continues in that role as the managing partner of Food Safety Assessments LLC.
