France is pushing for a major change in how food expiration dates are handled, aiming to cut waste and promote sustainable consumption across Europe. The proposal comes from the French National Conference Against Food Waste, which recently published a report calling for updates to EU regulations.
According to the conference, tons of edible food are discarded every year due to outdated expiration labels, even though many products are safe to consume long after the listed date. The initiative focuses on products with long shelf lives, such as pasta, rice, and cereals, which could be safely consumed beyond their current expiration markings.
“For Best Taste” Instead of Expiration Dates
Since 2022, French law allows manufacturers to label products with “For best taste…” followed by a date. This indicates that the product remains safe to eat past the stated date, although its flavor or texture may slightly diminish. Advocates argue this is a clearer alternative to traditional labels like “Best before…,” which often lead consumers to discard perfectly edible food.
Guillaume Garot, a Socialist Party lawmaker and co-founder of the conference, highlighted that products like sugar, vinegar, and coarse salt are already exempt from expiration dates. Extending this approach to a wider range of common foods could reduce unnecessary waste and financial loss for households.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The National Conference estimates that each French citizen throws away around €135 worth of raw food annually—roughly half a month’s household food budget. The proposed legislative changes, expected to be submitted to the French Parliament this spring, aim to save money for consumers while addressing environmental concerns.
Broader Measures Against Food Waste
The conference also recommends:
- Improved food education in schools
- An annual “Week Against Food Waste” with public awareness campaigns
- Incentives for consumers to donate surplus edible food to social grocery programs
- A digital platform to promote sustainable consumption and fight food waste
The proposals, summarized in the “Agenda 2030” document, will be presented to the European Commission to encourage amendments to EU rules, expanding the list of products exempt from mandatory expiration labels.
Government officials, including Minister of Ecological Transition Mathieu Lefebvre, confirmed that within 12 months, labeling promoting waste reduction and sustainable nutrition will be expanded across French food products.
