Expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction: a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendations
Expiration date labels are fundamental policy tools; however, the information presented on these labels is often misinterpreted, resulting in the discarding of otherwise edible food. The confusion surrounding expiration date labels leads to unnecessary food waste and increases the pressure on natura...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Environmental Challenges |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266701002500188X |
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| author | János Szenderák Dániel Fróna Mónika Rákos |
| author_facet | János Szenderák Dániel Fróna Mónika Rákos |
| author_sort | János Szenderák |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Expiration date labels are fundamental policy tools; however, the information presented on these labels is often misinterpreted, resulting in the discarding of otherwise edible food. The confusion surrounding expiration date labels leads to unnecessary food waste and increases the pressure on natural resources. This research reviewed consumer understanding of expiration date labels and synthesized the policy recommendations. We found that consumers frequently experienced confusion about expiration date labels, and their interpretation was affected by contextual factors. Knowledge and understanding of expiration date labels varied considerably, while the range of policy proposals was relatively narrow, suggesting a restricted policy space. Consumer education and information campaigns were among the most common policy recommendations, despite their modest efficiency in altering consumer behavior. Standardizing expiration date labels and altering their physical appearance may enhance the efficiency of information transfer; however, the individual risk perception of different products must be taken into account. However, the limited scope of policy proposals can significantly hinder the effectiveness of resource management policies. Therefore, understanding real-life consumer habits and waste behavior when designing product- and region-specific policy responses is essential for enhancing sustainability efforts. Finally, we propose a simplified framework for possible policy interventions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4e41bfb92deb47a0a9d4ffc234ed5f28 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2667-0100 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-09-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Environmental Challenges |
| spelling | doaj-art-4e41bfb92deb47a0a9d4ffc234ed5f282025-08-22T04:58:33ZengElsevierEnvironmental Challenges2667-01002025-09-012010126910.1016/j.envc.2025.101269Expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction: a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendationsJános Szenderák0Dániel Fróna1Mónika Rákos2University of Debrecen Faculty of Economics and Business, HungaryUniversity of Debrecen Faculty of Economics and Business, HungaryUniversity of Debrecen Faculty of Economics and Business, HungaryExpiration date labels are fundamental policy tools; however, the information presented on these labels is often misinterpreted, resulting in the discarding of otherwise edible food. The confusion surrounding expiration date labels leads to unnecessary food waste and increases the pressure on natural resources. This research reviewed consumer understanding of expiration date labels and synthesized the policy recommendations. We found that consumers frequently experienced confusion about expiration date labels, and their interpretation was affected by contextual factors. Knowledge and understanding of expiration date labels varied considerably, while the range of policy proposals was relatively narrow, suggesting a restricted policy space. Consumer education and information campaigns were among the most common policy recommendations, despite their modest efficiency in altering consumer behavior. Standardizing expiration date labels and altering their physical appearance may enhance the efficiency of information transfer; however, the individual risk perception of different products must be taken into account. However, the limited scope of policy proposals can significantly hinder the effectiveness of resource management policies. Therefore, understanding real-life consumer habits and waste behavior when designing product- and region-specific policy responses is essential for enhancing sustainability efforts. Finally, we propose a simplified framework for possible policy interventions.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266701002500188XQ01Q18Q53 |
| spellingShingle | János Szenderák Dániel Fróna Mónika Rákos Expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction: a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendations Environmental Challenges Q01 Q18 Q53 |
| title | Expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction: a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendations |
| title_full | Expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction: a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendations |
| title_fullStr | Expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction: a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendations |
| title_full_unstemmed | Expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction: a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendations |
| title_short | Expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction: a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendations |
| title_sort | expiration date label knowledge and food waste reduction a synthesis and critical evaluation of policy recommendations |
| topic | Q01 Q18 Q53 |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266701002500188X |
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