New symbol to reduce dairy waste

Three simple tips on dairy packaging can help consumers waste less dairy. A lot of waste can be prevented if the consumer deals better with the expiration date, keeps dairy at the right temperatures, and when the containers are properly emptied.

In the Netherlands, around half of all food at home is thrown away, including milk, yogurt and other dairy products. The Dutch Dairy Association (NZO) has therefore developed the “thrifty with dairy” symbol for dairy packaging. The symbol includes three tips to help the consumer waste less dairy. It can be found this week on various fresh dairy packaging from Arla Foods and Friesland Campina.

The most important tip is the expiration date, which is the cause of much confusion among consumers. The expiration date indicates the last day that a product will be at its optimum quality. Provided that it is kept cool, dairy can last beyond this expiration date in many cases. If a product is past its expiration date, the advice is to check whether the product still looks okay, and to smell and taste it.

The other two tips are about how to keep dairy and how to completely empty the container. Dairy products must be kept in the refrigerator and returned to the refrigerator immediately after use. The optimal temperature for dairy is between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius. To empty a container of custard or yogurt, the consumer is advised to fold the carton and squeeze out the remainder. In this way, the last of the product – often an entire portion – can also be consumed.

The “thrifty with dairy” symbol was developed by the Food Waste Working Group at the NZO. Retail companies can also use the symbol on their private label dairy products.