Consumers' Response to Food Date Labels

Does household food waste come from a lack of understanding?

Abstract

This research project delves into consumers' responses to food expiry date labels, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, to reduce global food waste by 50% at consumer and retail levels by 2030. The project utilises biometric (eye tracking) data collection to investigate consumer interpretation of expiration labels and the potential correlation between inadequate understanding and household food waste. The research methodology involves an in-depth literature analysis, focusing on distinctions between best-before and use-by dates, particularly concerning food safety. The study addresses crucial questions, including consumers' responses to expiry dates, comprehensions, awareness of best-before versus use-by distinctions, and the correct utilisation of these labels. The key innovation lies in uncovering consumer behaviours and proposing a streamlined labelling approach with fewer best-before dates, offering opportunities for the food industry to reduce household food waste, consequently mitigating the environmental impact on landfills, and contributing to climate change mitigation.

Supervised by: Erin Young, Grace Clare, Miranda Mirosa, Food Science Department, University of Otago

Scholarship Project Funded by: New Zealand- China Food Protection Network