Supermarket Removes Best Before Dates on Fresh Produce to Reduce Household Waste
- M&S removes best before dates from over 300 fruit and vegetable products
- New code to ensure freshness and quality
- Rolled out across all UK stores
- Part of M&S’s Plan A sustainability roadmap
- 100% edible surplus to be redistributed by 2025
- 44 million meals redistributed to local communities since 2015
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is taking steps to reduce food waste by removing best before dates from a range of fresh produce, including apples, potatoes, and broccoli. The new labeling system will be implemented across all UK stores and aims to encourage customers to use their judgment when determining freshness. M&S has pledged to halve food waste by 2030 and redistribute 100% of edible surplus by 2025. Since partnering with Neighbourly in 2015, over 44 million meals have been donated to local communities.
Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about M&S removing best before dates from a significant portion of its produce, replacing them with a new code for freshness and quality maintenance. It also mentions the company’s sustainability goals and partnerships to reduce food waste. The article cites sources and offers tips on reducing food waste.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about M&S’s initiative to reduce food waste and highlights the positive impact it could have on reducing household food waste and tackling the climate crisis. It also includes quotes from relevant sources and offers tips for extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: M&S (Mark & Spencer) stock prices and related food industry stocks
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses M&S’s decision to remove best before dates from a range of fresh produce, which could impact their sales and potentially affect the company’s financial performance. It also mentions their sustainability goals and partnership with Neighbourly, which may influence consumer perception and purchasing decisions in the food industry.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. The change in food labeling by M&S aims to reduce food waste and help tackle climate change, but it’s not considered a major crisis or disaster.
