Even grocers get this wrong. I asked a grocer if I could get a mark down on beer that was past the best by date. Was told “actually I cannot sell that to you” before taking it off to the back room.

In more progressive regions, food past the date is given to charity, who then know more about the meanings of the dates and the safety tolerances.

[–] nocturne@slrpnk.net 4 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

In more progressive regions, food past the date is given to charity, who then know more about the meanings of the dates and the safety tolerances.

I volunteer at a food bank, and I can tell you food past the date is given to charity is correct. However who then know more about the meanings of the dates and the safety tolerances. is wholly incorrect at our food bank. As long as there is no visible mold it is given out. If there is no way to inspect it, it is given out.

[–] Buddahriffic@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

It sucks that there's so little expertise or interest in being academic about it. Over the decades these things have been running for, there should be a database of which foods are generally fine to ignore any best by date, what specifically is best by that date and how it isn't as good after, what to watch out for on the safety side of things, and when to not risk it.

[–] activistPnk@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 week ago

Where I am they ask people what the source of the food is (if they did not collect the food themselves) and they inspect to the extent possible. Then if something is risky for humans but suitable enough for cats and dogs, they distribute it from a separate box or table as pet food.