Reducing Food Waste

About 12 million metric tons of food end up in the trash in Germany each year. At more than 50 percent, the majority of food waste is generated in private households. This is due in no small part to the widespread—but mistaken—belief that food is no longer safe to eat after the best-by date has passed, leading people to throw it away.

But large quantities of food are also discarded in retail and the foodservice industry

What exactly does the “best-by” date mean?

It has been a legal requirement in Germany since 1981. It is a quality date, not a disposal date. If stored properly, the manufacturer guarantees the product’s typical characteristics up to this date. In most cases, products can still be eaten or drunk even after the best-by date has passed. Once the best-by date has been reached or exceeded, everyone can judge for themselves whether the food is still safe to eat.

What is the “use-by date”?

Unlike the best-by date, the use-by date specifies the exact date by which the food should be consumed. Perishable foods, such as meat, can be spoiled by bacteria and pose a health risk without this being detectable by your senses. These foods must display a use-by date. Products should not be consumed after the use-by date has passed.

What You Can Do

Conscious consumption is key to reducing food waste. In addition to national strategies and initiatives, there are other ways for businesses and consumers to reduce food waste.

• Shop for food as needed and store it properly
• Use up leftovers at home or ask for a to-go container at a restaurant
• Pass it on to friends or offer it on food-sharing platforms

Surplus food that is still safe to eat can also be donated in Erlangen to the following organizations, among others:

Tafel Erlangen: Website: www.diakonie-erlangen.de

Teilerei: Website: www.teilerei.de

Foodsharing in Erlangen: Website: www.foodsharing.de/fuer-unternehmen

Where can I find more information?

The nationwide strategy “TOO GOOD FOR THE TRASH” provides it. It can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture at: www.bmel.de

For more information on this topic in Erlangen, feel free to email your specific question to kreislaufwirtschaft@stadt.erlangen.de or call us directly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 09131 86-2784.