Largest UK Retailer Tackles Food Waste with New Milk Labelling

  • Sainsbury’s becomes the largest UK retailer to switch from use-by dates to best-before dates on own-brand milk
  • 44 products affected across England, Scotland, and Wales
  • Change expected to be completed by end of February 2024
  • Sainsbury’s encourages customers to follow FSA guidance for sensory cues to determine freshness

Sainsbury’s is set to become the largest UK retailer to switch use-by dates for best-before dates on its own-brand milk range, affecting 44 products across England, Scotland, and Wales. The change will impact over 730 million pints of milk sold annually by Sainsbury’s. Research from WRAP reveals that milk is the third most wasted food in the UK, with over 490 million pints discarded each year due to confusion between use-by and best-before dates. By adopting best-before labels, Sainsbury’s aims to empower customers to make their own decisions on food freshness, reducing waste and following Food Standards Agency guidance. The change is expected to be completed by the end of February 2024.

Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Sainsbury’s decision to switch from use-by dates to best-before dates on its own-brand milk range, explaining the reasons behind this change (reducing food waste) and including relevant quotes from experts in the field. It also clarifies the difference between use-by and best-before dates.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant and informative content about Sainsbury’s decision to switch from use-by dates to best-before dates on its milk products, which aims to reduce food waste and educate customers on how to determine if the product is still safe to consume. It also includes quotes from experts in the field supporting the change. The article stays on topic and provides actionable insights for consumers.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Sainsbury’s stock prices and dairy industry
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a change in labeling practices by Sainsbury’s, which is a major UK retailer. This change may impact their sales and potentially the dairy industry as a whole, affecting their financial performance.
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 from use-by dates to best-before dates for Sainsbury’s milk products is a minor event, as it aims to reduce food waste and help customers make better decisions about consuming their food.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk