The Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic (HFLPC) recently produced a video, EXPIRED? Food Waste in America, on how inconsistent date labeling laws contribute to the problem of wasted food. This video expands on the issue identified in the Date Labeling Fact Sheet that HFLPC produced for the Food Donation Guidance for Massachusetts businesses on the RecyclingWorks website.

EXPIRED? Food Waste in America from Racing Horse Productions on Vimeo.

There is no federal law for expiration date labeling and each state has its own set of labeling laws. Many of these laws require food to be disposed of days or weeks before it spoils. Consistent, science-based expiration date labels could prevent up to 160 billion pounds of wasted food each year.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program for businesses and institutions. RecyclingWorks provides assistance with recycling, food donation, composting, and other forms of waste reduction. To speak to a recycling expert, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.