GPD: Correct Information on Expiry Dates Prevents Economic Losses

The Food Retailers Association (GPD) stated that properly informing the public about expiry date practices on food products is of critical importance both for consumer health and for reducing food waste.

In a statement made by GPD, within the scope of recent discussions, attention was drawn to certain key issues in terms of food safety, consumer information and economic impacts.

Best Before and Use By dates carry different meanings
The statement emphasized that the concepts of "Use By Date" (UBD) and "Best Before Date" (BBD) on food products have different meanings.

It was noted that Use By Date, particularly on perishable products that may pose a health risk, represents a safety criterion, and products past this date must not be consumed or offered for sale under any circumstances.

Best Before indicates quality, Use By indicates safety
It was explained that Best Before Date refers to the period during which, under proper storage conditions, the product maintains its quality characteristics optimally.

In this context, it was stated that products past their Best Before Date, if found suitable in terms of packaging integrity, taste, odour and appearance, may be consumed, and that this date points to ideal quality levels rather than food safety.

A critical factor in reducing food waste
The statement noted that in international practice, evaluating products past their Best Before Date that have been stored under proper conditions and meet safety criteria is part of a sustainability approach aimed at reducing food waste.

Drawing attention to FAO data indicating that Turkey experiences approximately 20 million tonnes of food loss annually from farm to table, it was emphasized that reducing these losses is important for conservation of natural resources, sustainable production and combating food inflation.

"Our priority is food safety and consumer health"
GPD stated that explaining the difference between Use By and Best Before dates more clearly to inform the public would increase consumer awareness and contribute to reducing food waste.

The statement also emphasized that the industry's fundamental priority is consumer health and food safety, and that work would continue in full compliance with legislation and scientific criteria, following principles of transparency, confidence and sustainability.