Replacing use-by labels could cut Estonia’s food waste

Replacing “use by” labels with “best before” labels where possible could help reduce food waste in Estonia, ERR reported. A study commissioned by the Ministry of Climate found that 139,000 tonnes of food waste was generated in the country last year, with households responsible for the largest share.

Households throw away an average of nearly 20 kilograms of food per person each year. The amount wasted could feed 68,000 people, or around 5 percent of Estonia’s population. The situation has nevertheless improved compared with the previous study, conducted five years earlier.

“As more than 50,000 tonnes of food waste could still be prevented, we need to make a major effort,” said Kristel Kibin, head of waste management at the Ministry of Climate. “In light of the upcoming mandatory targets, we need to consider what more can be done in each sector.”

The targets come from the European Union and are set for 2030. The food industry must reduce waste by 10 percent, while retail, catering and households must cut it by 30 percent.

The Ministry of Climate says households need to become more aware of food waste, but the targets will also bring additional bureaucracy for Estonian companies. Businesses will have to keep records and draw up action plans to reduce food waste, based on the principle that what is measured can be reduced, Kibin said.

Coop Eesti Keskühistu stores use automated accounting to track food losses and already throw away minimal amounts, according to communications director Siiri Liiva. She said the cooperative supports as little bureaucracy as possible and does not consider additional administrative measures sensible.

Airika Salumets, chief specialist for food safety at the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, said one way to reduce waste would be for companies to use “best before” labels instead of “use by” labels where possible. Food marked “best before” can be consumed after the date has passed and can also be donated.

However, food rescue company FudLoop’s founder Tarmo Seliste said people often discard food that is still completely safe because they mistakenly believe it is no longer fit to eat. If people do not want to consume such food at home, they could take it to a food cupboard or food bank, he said.

Manufacturers are free to choose how they label their products, meaning similar foods often carry different labels. For example, one dairy product may be marked “use by” and another “best before”, which determines whether the product can be donated.