Misunderstanding food label terminology contributes to a significant amount of food waste in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration<\/a> (FDA) reports, the food industry and consumers are throwing out about a third of our food every year.<\/p>\n Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> Popular misconceptions<\/strong><\/p>\n Making sense of confusing labels can help you save money while Food labels are not regulated by the federal government but by food manufacturers. <\/p>\n Food labels are more about quality standards, not safety.<\/p>\n Food labels are not mandatory on food packaging with the exception of infant formula products.<\/p>\n Food label The FDA would like the food industry to adopt, \u201cbest if used Sell-by date<\/em>\u2013 This is used as an indicator for how long a store can display an item, it helps to manage inventory.<\/p>\n Best-by date<\/em>\u2013 This label is about flavor and quality, but you can eat it after the date listed.<\/p>\n Use-by date<\/em>-Like the previous terminology, this recommendation is for peak quality, it has nothing to do with safety.<\/p>\n Guidelines \u201cHaving an idea of how long you can actually keep your food, will help you save money,\u201d says Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s largest independent homeowners insurance <\/a>agency.<\/p>\n Foodsafety.gov<\/a> has tips to help you navigate how long you can keep food.<\/p>\n Canned foods<\/strong>-low acid foods such as soups, carrots, corn can be stored for 2-5 years, high acid foods such as fruit and pickles, for 12-18 months.<\/p>\n Dried foods<\/strong>-gravy mixes, pasta, rice and flour are safe for a very long time.<\/p>\n Frozen foods<\/strong>-these are safe because bacteria and pathogens cannot grow in food frozen at 0 degrees F or below. However, frozen food can get freezer burn, affecting the quality.<\/p>\n Refrigerated foods<\/strong>\u2013 all cooked leftovers should be used or frozen after four days. Use fresh eggs within three to five weeks, milk within one week. For more info on refrigerated foods.<\/a><\/p>\n How do Since food labels have to do with quality, consumers should GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a> offers dependable homeowners insurance<\/a> to cover your home and belongings, check us out today.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/expired-food-infograph.png\")
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\nreducing food waste. Below are some popular misconceptions about food labels. <\/p>\n
\nterminology<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nby\u201d terminology to help consumers better understand that they do not have to throw
\nout food so soon. Listed are some current labels found on food products and
\ntheir meanings.<\/p>\n
\nfor food safety<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nyou tell if food has gone bad?<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nrely on their senses to tell them whether food is spoiled or not. Check for unpleasant
\nor off odors or taste, as well as swollen or dented cans. Discoloration is
\nanother indicator, however, the FDA says change in color for meat or poultry is
\nnot a sign that the product is spoiled. Keep in mind, even if food has not
\nreached its sell-by date it can be spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out.<\/p>\n
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