Marks & Spencer has removed ‘Use By’ dates across its Select Farms British and organic fresh milk as part of its commitment to halving food waste by 2030.
The change, which is being rolled out across all its stores from this week, will see ‘Use By’ dates on fresh milk replaced with ‘Best Before’ dates.
Research by WRAP estimates that UK homes waste 490 million pints of milk a year. M&S stated that the change to ‘Best Before’ dates would encourage customers to use their judgement before throwing away milk which may be fine to consume.
Catherine David, Director of Collaboration and Change at WRAP, commented: “Milk is the third most wasted food in the home behind potatoes and bread. The main reason is not drinking before the Use-By date. By changing its British and organic fresh milk to a Best-Before date, M&S is instantly helping its customers save money and cut waste by giving them more time to consume the milk they buy.”
Last year, M&S removed Best Before dates across more than 300 fruit and veg lines to encourage customers to use their judgement on what is still good to eat.
NAM Implications:
- Back to the oldest and best: the smell test.
