The difference between the “Use By Date” and “Recommended Consumption Date” on the labels of food products has recently become one of the topics of discussion again. Food Retailers Association pointed out that the two practices do not have the same meaning against information pollution that may occur in the public. According to the association, while STT represents a direct safety criterion for human health, TETT rather indicates the ideal quality period of the product. Correct understanding of this distinction is seen as critical for both consumer safety and reducing food waste. Considering that millions of tons of food are lost every year in Türkiye, reading label information correctly is now not only a culinary habit, but also an economic and environmental issue.
According to the evaluation of the Food Retailers Association, the “Use Before Date” means a decisive safety limit, especially for products that can deteriorate quickly and pose a risk to human health. Products past this date should not be consumed or offered for sale. In sensitive foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk and some cold chain products, STT is considered not only a warning about quality, but a date directly linked to a health risk.
“Recommended Expiration Date” has a different meaning. This date refers to the period during which the product preserves its taste, smell, appearance and general quality characteristics in the best possible way under appropriate storage conditions. According to GPD, passing TETT does not mean that every product is spoiled or unhealthy. It is possible to consume some products whose packaging integrity is preserved, stored under appropriate conditions, and whose taste, smell and appearance do not cause any problems. However, at this point, the type of product, storage conditions, condition of the packaging and the applicable legislation are always considered decisive.
The association points out that in international practices, products that have passed TETT but meet the safety criteria are evaluated within the scope of the goal of reducing food waste. Correctly explaining the difference between the quality date and the safety date, especially in dry foods, pulses, pasta, rice, canned food, biscuits and similar products, can prevent the consumer from throwing away food unnecessarily. On the other hand, it is emphasized that the same approach is not valid for products that have passed STT, and that these products may pose a risk to consumer health.
Food loss and waste is not just an issue that concerns household budgets. It also means that the water, energy, land, labor and logistics costs used in production are wasted. According to FAO data, food loss from farm to table in Türkiye reaches approximately 20 million tons every year. This table makes reading food labels correctly important for sustainability, protection of natural resources and combating food prices.
GPD states that the difference between STT and TETT should be explained more clearly in order to inform the public correctly. While it is underlined that the priority of the sector is consumer health and food safety, it is stated that it will continue to work with the principles of transparency, consumer trust and sustainability in compliance with the current legislation and scientific criteria. Thus, understanding the dates on the labels correctly stands out as a basic area of awareness that both protects the safety of the table and reduces unnecessary food loss.
