THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022, FOOD SAFETY

 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022, FOOD SAFETY

I’ve been talking about technology for two weeks.  One area that might go under the radar is food, and food safety.

First a story.  Two weeks ago I helped a friend move.  Okay, she had a crew that moved her things, but I helped her put her things away in the new apartment.  Like all of us, she had a lot of kitchen things - pots and pans, spatulas, knives, temperature readers, and LOTS of canned goods.  

We started to put the canned goods on the shelf and we noticed the “good by” date.  Some dates were good, but many dates were in the years 2016 to 2021.  We filled (no lie), three boxes with out-of-date canned goods - which then filled a large trash bin that gets put on the curb.

In the long past, cans did not have such dates.  You opened a can and ate its contents.  

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I was surprised when I wrote today’s blog.  “Except for infant formula, product dating is not required by Federal regulations”  (From: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating) 

Continuing that thought, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) says, “USDA estimates that 30 percent of the food supply is lost or wasted at the retail and consumer levels.

One source of food waste arises from consumers or retailers throwing away wholesome food because of confusion about the meaning of dates displayed on the label. To reduce consumer confusion and wasted food, FSIS recommends that food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating use a “Best if Used By” date. Research shows that this phrase conveys to consumers that the product will be of best quality if used by the calendar date shown. Foods not exhibiting signs of spoilage should be wholesome and may be sold, purchased, donated, and consumed beyond the labeled "Best if Used By" date.

Confusion over the meaning of dates applied to food products can result in consumers discarding wholesome food.

In an effort to reduce food waste, it is important that consumers understand that the dates applied to food are for quality and not for safety. Food products are safe to consume past the date on the label, and regardless of the date, consumers should evaluate the quality of the food product prior to its consumption.

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WOW - now as I’m writing about this, it could be that some if not most of the canned goods we threw out - labeled as “best by” dates - was edible.  

Furthermore, the USDA under the FDA - Food and Drug Administration -  suggests opening the cans and doing a sniff test, and maybe taking a small sample to taste test.

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WOW - even I can learn something when I write my blogs!!! <grin>

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BUT, the USDA (and others around the globe) do protect our food safety.  We hear about various e-coli contamination of vegetables resulting in recalls.  Seemingly such recalls are optional.  But, a store selling spinach with e-coli bacteria could be sued by consumers if it was known that the store knowingly sold tainted goods.

The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of food, tobacco products, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical drugs, medicines, medical equipment, cosmetic products, and veterinary products. Recalls of products in those categories fall under the domain of the FDA.

No longer is all our food grown within 200 miles of our location.  Many vegetables come from the central valley of California, and fresh foods in winter may come from Argentina and other southern hemisphere locations.  

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So, be aware that food safety is an ongoing process.  And, that our food supply is safe!!! (Generally)

LOVE WINS!!

Karen Anne White, November 3, 2022, ©