Commentary, Opinion

Monthly Message: Alliston Food Bank busts myths about food expiration

October 16, 2025   ·   0 Comments

Every week, Canadians throw away thousands of tonnes of food that is still perfectly safe to eat. Research by Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization, shows that nearly 60 percent of food produced in this country is wasted — and almost half of that is completely avoidable. One of the biggest culprits is confusion over “best before” and “expiry” dates.

According to Second Harvest, best-before dates are about quality, not safety. They indicate when a product is at its peak taste, texture, or freshness. Food that has passed its best before date may be a little less crunchy, creamy, or colourful, but that doesn’t make it unsafe. Yogurt can still be good a week later, dry pasta can last for years, and canned beans can remain safe far beyond their printed date if stored properly.

By contrast, very few items in Canada actually “expire.” Only five categories are required by law to carry an expiry date: infant formula, meal replacements, formulated liquid diets, nutritional supplements, and medications. Once those dates pass, the safety or nutrient value can no longer be guaranteed. Everything else — from cereal to frozen vegetables — can often be eaten well past its best before date if it looks, smells, and tastes as it should.

Despite this, Second Harvest reports that 23 percent of avoidable food waste is caused by misunderstanding date labels, representing billions of dollars in lost food each year. It’s heartbreaking to know how much food ends up in the garbage when it could be nourishing families instead.

Here in Alliston, the issue is felt daily at the Alliston Food Bank. The number of households needing support continues to climb, with more than 1,100 people and 400 households served just last month. Every donation helps, yet myths around food expiration sometimes discourage well-meaning donors. 

Many people are unsure if they can donate items that are close to or just past their best before date. As long as the food is still in good condition, those items are welcome. Misunderstanding date labels can mean fewer donations — even at a time when shelves are stretched thin and demand is at an all-time high.

The Alliston Food Bank relies on both community donations and rescued food from local grocery partners to provide nutritious support to families. Volunteers carefully check and sort all items to ensure they are safe for distribution. Community education about best before and expiry dates helps ensure that good food doesn’t go to waste and instead reaches the neighbours who need it most. 

It’s also an important message to share with clients: if a product on our shelves is past its best-before date, it’s not a sign of disrespect — it’s a sign of resourcefulness and care. These items are still safe, nutritious, and valuable in reducing food waste while feeding our community.

Reducing food waste isn’t just good for the environment; it directly benefits local families by increasing the supply of food available for distribution. Second Harvest and food banks across Canada encourage people to rely on their senses: look for signs of mould, rust, or bulging cans; smell for off odours; and if everything appears normal, taste a small sample to confirm it’s still good. These simple steps can save households money, reduce environmental impact, and ensure that safe, nutritious food is shared instead of wasted.

For Canadians, the message is clear: don’t let the date on the package trick you. With a better understanding of what best before really means, we can all play a part in cutting down on unnecessary waste. The next time you find yourself holding a box of crackers or a can of soup that’s past its date, pause before you toss it. Chances are, it’s still perfectly safe — and it might make the difference between an empty or full plate for a neighbour here in Alliston.

For more information on the difference between “best before” and “expiry” dates, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website by searching “CFIA best before vs expiry dates” and clicking on Understanding the Date Labels on Your Food.

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