A shared experience

Sarah stood in her kitchen, staring at a can of chickpeas she had bought a while ago. The expiration date had passed two months ago, and she was unsure if she could still use the chickpeas. Sarah remembered a website she had recently discovered: foodwaste.ch.

She accessed the site and navigated to the food shelf life section. There, she found detailed information on how to assess the shelf life of foods and when they are still safe to consume. To her relief, she read that canned goods often last much longer than the date on the package suggests, as long as the can is undamaged and well-stored.

Armed with this knowledge, Sarah opened the can and found the chickpeas in perfect condition. She decided to make a delicious chickpea curry. The meal was not only tasty but also a victory against food waste.

About foodwaste.ch

foodwaste.ch is a platform dedicated to raising awareness about food waste and offering practical solutions. The website provides comprehensive information on the shelf life of foods, practical storage tips, and recipes for using leftovers.

A special highlight is the foodsaving events advertised on the platform. These events bring people together to share and enjoy surplus food. They actively contribute to reducing food waste while promoting community and solidarity.

Food Dating: What You Need to Know

The dating of foods can be confusing. Many people throw away perfectly edible food because they misunderstand the date on the packaging. Here is a brief summary and checklist for orientation:

Summary

• Best Before Date: Indicates when the food product retains its specific properties (taste, texture) if stored properly. It is not an expiration date. Often, products are still safe to consume after this date.
• Use By Date: Found on very perishable foods like meat or fish. The product should not be consumed after this date.
• Manufacturing and Packaging Dates: Informational, helps with inventory management, but does not directly indicate shelf life.

Checklist for Assessing Shelf Life

1. Visual Inspection: Does the food look normal? No signs of mold or discoloration?
2. Smell Test: Does the product smell fresh? An unpleasant odor is a warning sign.
3. Texture Test: Does the product feel normal? Changes in texture can indicate spoilage.
4. Taste Test: If the product passes all previous tests, a small taste can help confirm if it is still good.

Conclusion

Sarah's story illustrates the importance of being well-informed before throwing away food. With the right information, as found on foodwaste.ch, everyone can contribute to reducing food waste. Visit the website to learn more and participate in foodsaving events. Let's make a difference together!