Consumer knowledge and use of open dates: results of a WEB-based survey

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Consumer Behavior
• Food Safety

Background:

• Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are increasingly popular due to convenience.
• Open dates on food packaging are intended to guide consumers on purchase and usage timelines for optimal quality.
• Consumer understanding of these dates is crucial for safe food consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess consumer knowledge and usage of open dates for various refrigerated RTE foods.
• To identify potential gaps in consumer understanding of date labels and their implications for food safety.

Main Methods:

• A nationally representative web-enabled survey was conducted with 2060 participants.
• The survey focused on consumer practices regarding open dates for specific RTE food categories.
• Data collected included checking habits, decision-making factors, and understanding of date label meanings.

Main Results:

• A significant portion of consumers check open dates before purchasing (48-68%) and preparing (43-64%) RTE foods.
• However, nearly two-thirds rely on sensory cues over date labels, an unsafe practice.
• Only 18% of respondents correctly understood the meaning of a 'use-by' date, indicating widespread confusion.

Conclusions:

• Consumers demonstrate a need for enhanced education on the significance of open dates and recommended storage practices for RTE foods.
• Misinterpretation of date labels and over-reliance on sensory evaluation pose food safety risks.
• Targeted educational initiatives are recommended to improve consumer decision-making regarding RTE food consumption.