There was outrage on social media over the offer to include expired products in food packages for the low-income – allegedly risking people’s health. This is not correct, because a number of products such as bread, cereals, pulses, oil, canned food have a recommended expiration date, after which they are still safe to eat for a certain period of time. Moreover, such food is already being donated to the neediest part of society.
From next year, people with low-income status won’t get anymore food packages. They will be available only to the needy and crisis situations of Latvian and Ukrainian residents.
At the beginning of the week, the news agency LETA reportedthat the member of the Saeima Mairita Luse (Progressives) has proposed to impose an obligation on traders to donate expired products to food parcels for the poor. It was widely commented on on social media. For example, someone Facebook the user writes that the Food and Veterinary Service has controlled the quality of food for years and punished with severe penalties, but now the deputy “proposes to bypass the PVD and feed the poor with dust”.
Expired products expiration date does not mean that they are dangerous, because in Latvia as elsewhere in the European Union used two expiration dates, and only one of them indicates the safety of the product.
The first is the final expiration date. It is denoted by the words “use by”. If this term has expired, the product is dangerous to consume. This is how products are designated which is deteriorating especially fast, such as meat products and dairy products.
The second is the minimum validity period, which is indicated by the words “best before” and which is related to the quality of the product. The “best before” term warns that the food may have lost its original taste, smell, texture or some other characteristic. In this case, everyone must assess for themselves whether the product is damaged. The minimum expiration date is used, for examplepasta, rice, preserves and bakery products. Even if the recommended date has passed, the products are safe to eat if stored properly.
Certain products with expired “best before” expiration dates from of 2019 may be transferred social care and social rehabilitation institutions, religious organizations, municipal social services, as well as associations and foundations engaged in charity. Since 2020, them too allowed donate directly to end consumers. These decisions are made to reduce the amount of food that goes to waste. The list of products that can be distributed after the expiration date is visible here.
Agita Kraukle, head of Food Bank Paēdušai Latvijai, explains to Re:Check that approximately 683 tons of leftover food (products with expired “best before” expiration date or visual defects) were donated this year. The Food Bank offers them as additional support to people who have come for food parcels, but they are not placed in their own or EU-funded food parcels. These products are also used in soup kitchens and cooking classes.
Bottom line: Not all expired foods are unsafe. If the deadline is indicated by “best before”, they are still safe to eat, but the taste, smell or other properties of the product may have deteriorated.
This article is part of Re:Check’s work investigating potentially false or half-truth Facebook posts, images and videos.
What are the potential health risks of consuming expired food products?
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special edition of our interview series. Today, we’re diving deep into an issue that has stirred significant debate on social media—the recent proposal to include expired food products in food packages for low-income individuals in Latvia. To unpack this topic, we have food safety expert Dr. Laura Krumi, who specializes in food standards and nutrition. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Krumi!
Dr. Laura Krumi: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss this important issue.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Many people reacted with outrage to the idea of including expired products in food packages. What exactly does “expiration date” mean, and are all expired products dangerous?
Dr. Krumi: That’s a great question. It’s essential to understand that there are two types of expiration dates: “use by” and “best before.” The “use by” date pertains to safety; once that date has passed, the product can be harmful, particularly for perishable items like meat and dairy. However, the “best before” date is more about quality than safety. Many products, such as pasta, rice, and canned goods, can still be safe to eat after this date if they have been stored properly.
Editor: So, just to clarify, foods marked with a “best before” date might not taste as good after that date but are not necessarily unsafe?
Dr. Krumi: Exactly! Many products may lose some quality in taste or texture but are still perfectly safe. For low-income families, this could be a way of minimizing waste while providing essential nutrients.
Editor: There seems to be a significant disconnect between the legislation suggested and public perception. Why do you think there’s such strong opposition to the idea of donating expired products?
Dr. Krumi: There is a deep-rooted concern for safety when it comes to food. Many people trust the system that categorizes food with expiration dates, and any suggestion to bypass regulations raises red flags. Furthermore, public discourse has been influenced by concerns about food quality, which is why it’s vital for us to communicate clearly that not all expired food is unsafe. Education in this area can help bridge that gap.
Editor: You mentioned education. Should there be more awareness campaigns about food safety and expiration dates to help the general public understand these concepts better?
Dr. Krumi: Absolutely. Increased awareness campaigns can empower consumers to make informed decisions about food. A better understanding of expiration labels could also lead to a decrease in food waste, which is a significant issue globally.
Editor: According to reports, this proposal would now only allow food packages for low-income families in crisis situations. It’s a thoughtful approach, but do you believe it’s enough to tackle food insecurity?
Dr. Krumi: The initiative is certainly a step in the right direction, but we need to look at the bigger picture. Food insecurity is a complex issue that requires multifaceted solutions, including but not limited to food donations. We need to consider options like improving access to affordable healthy food for everyone, enhancing food education, and, importantly, ensuring that societal support systems are in place to help individuals facing financial difficulties.
Editor: It’s clear that this conversation is much broader than just food expiration dates. Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts on how communities can respond to this issue constructively?
Dr. Krumi: I would encourage communities to engage in discussions about food safety, advocate for equitable food distribution initiatives, and support local organizations working to reduce food waste. Collective action is powerful, and by fostering conversations and promoting educational efforts, we can make a difference in how food is perceived and utilized in our society.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Krumi, for shedding light on this vital topic. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, and we appreciate your insights!
Dr. Krumi: Thank you for having me! It’s been great to share this information.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We hope you found this discussion enlightening. Until next time, stay informed and engaged!