Quebec households are throwing away approximately $600 worth of perfectly good food each year because of widespread confusion about best-before dates, according to a recent study published in November 2025.
The Cost of Date Label Confusion
The comprehensive research found that half of all food wasted in Quebec homes annually stems directly from misunderstandings about what best-before dates actually mean. Many consumers mistakenly believe these dates indicate when food becomes unsafe to eat, leading them to discard items that remain perfectly edible.
Conducted by food waste researchers and released on November 18, 2025, the study highlights how this misinterpretation contributes significantly to both household financial losses and environmental concerns. The $600 per household figure represents a substantial economic burden for families across the province, particularly during times of rising food costs.
Best-Before vs. Expiration Dates
Food safety experts emphasize that best-before dates relate to food quality, not safety. These dates indicate when a product may begin to lose its peak freshness, texture, or flavor, but the food typically remains safe to consume for some time afterward.
"Many consumers don't understand the crucial difference between best-before dates and actual expiration dates," explained the study's lead researcher. "This confusion leads to enormous amounts of perfectly good food being thrown away, costing families hundreds of dollars each year."
The study recommends that Quebec households rely more on their senses—looking for visible spoilage, checking for unusual odors, and examining texture—rather than automatically discarding food once the best-before date has passed.
Broader Implications for Food Waste Reduction
This research comes at a time when food waste reduction has become an increasing priority across Canada. The findings suggest that better public education about food labeling could significantly reduce household waste and save families money.
Several provinces have been considering standardized labeling approaches to help consumers make more informed decisions. The Quebec study provides compelling evidence that such initiatives could have substantial economic and environmental benefits.
Beyond household savings, reducing food waste also addresses broader environmental concerns, including methane emissions from landfills and the resources wasted in food production and transportation.
As food costs continue to rise across Canada, understanding the true meaning of best-before dates represents an immediate opportunity for Quebec households to reduce their grocery bills while contributing to environmental sustainability efforts.
