Reduce food waste

Around 12 million tons of food end up as waste in Germany every year. At more than 50 percent, the majority of food waste is generated in private households. This is not least because there is a widespread but erroneous belief that food is no longer edible after the best-before date (BBD) and is therefore thrown away.

However, large quantities of food are also thrown away in retail and out-of-home catering

What exactly does the best-before date mean?

It has been a legal requirement in Germany since 1981. It is a quality date and not a throw-away date. If stored correctly, the manufacturer guarantees the typical properties of the product until this date. In most cases, products can still be eaten or drunk after the best-before date. Once the best-before date has been reached or exceeded, everyone can judge for themselves whether the food is still fit for consumption.

What is the use-by date?

In contrast to the best-before date, the use-by date indicates the exact date by which the food should be consumed. Perishable foods such as meat, for example, can be spoiled by germs and be harmful to your health without you being able to detect this with your own senses. A use-by date must be indicated on these foods. Products after the use-by date should no longer be consumed.

What you can do

Conscious handling is of great importance for reducing food waste. In addition to national strategies and concepts, there are also other ways for businesses and consumers to reduce it.

• Buy food as needed and store it correctly
• Use leftovers at home or have them packed in restaurants
• Pass on to friends or offer on food giveaway platforms

Surplus food that is suitable for consumption can also be handed in in Erlangen, for example, to

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 "ZU GUT FÜR DIE TONNE" offers it. It can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture at: www.bmel.de

You can also obtain further information on this topic in Erlangen by sending an email with your specific question to kreislaufwirtschaft@stadt.erlangen.de or directly on Tuesdays and Thursdays by telephone: 09131 86-2784.