Could clearer food labels slash Estonia's waste by 10%?
Estonia faces a significant food waste problem, with around 180,000 tons discarded each year. Experts now suggest that adjusting food labelling—particularly on dairy products—could help cut this waste by up to 10 percent. The change could also save families hundreds of euros annually. Every year, the average Estonian household throws away about 150 kilograms of food. Of this, roughly 60 kilograms could have been avoided with better planning or storage. Unavoidable waste, such as peels or bones, makes up the rest.
One proposed solution is expanding the use of 'best before' dates instead of stricter expiration labels. These dates indicate when a product is at its best quality but remains safe to consume afterward. Dairy items, especially pasteurised milk, may be among the first to adopt this approach. Research suggests that clearer labelling could reduce food waste by up to 10 percent. For a family with children, this could mean saving over €300 per year. The discussion follows findings from German studies at HTW Berlin, though no Estonian government measures have yet been announced.
The shift in labelling aims to help consumers keep food longer without risk. If adopted, the change could prevent nearly half of Estonia's food waste from ending up in bins. The focus now lies on whether producers and regulators will take action.
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