Surplus food redistribution labelling guidance

This summary information produced by WRAP, the Food Standards Agency and Defra covers date labelling and storage instruction requirements for surplus food, in order for it to be safely redistributed. The aim is to increase the amount of food made available by food businesses for redistribution and accepted by recipient organisations.

Redistribution labelling guide

Covers date labelling and storage instruction requirements for surplus food, in order for it to be safely redistributed, along with guidance for freezing and relabelling fresh food, and was originally published in 2017. The  guide outlines simple information across five key food categories that typically carry a ‘Best Before’ date:

  • uncut fresh produce;
  • bread and bakery;
  • ambient soft drinks;
  • ambient products packaged in cans, jars, packets; and frozen foods.
  • It stresses the importance of visual checks of food and packaging to ensure the food is of good quality.

The guide has been updated (April 2020) to advise on how long different foods can be expected to be suitable for redistribution after the ‘Best Before’ date. It outlines processes which food businesses and redistribution organisations can use to implement the guidance.

The information covers manufacturing, retail and supplier businesses, and all types of redistribution organisations.

WRAP Guidance on Best Before & Use By Dates

This data sheet provides guidance on how UK law applies to food products. In the UK millions of tonnes of food are thrown away due to ‘not being used in time’, and for a third of this food, date labelling is cited as a factor. According to WRAP (The Waste and Resources Action Programme), set up in 2000 to promote sustainable waste management, best before date labelled food can be consumed after this date.*

'Use By’ date (food safety)

Food cannot be sold, redistributed or consumed after this date. The only exception to this is if the food has gone through a safe freezing or cooking process, before the ‘Use By’ date has passed, and has been appropriately re-labelled.

‘Best Before Date’

The ‘Best Before’ date relates to food quality. Food with a ‘Best Before’ date can be sold, redistributed and consumed after this date. Providing food is stored in appropriate conditions – and has not become otherwise contaminated, it will be safe to consume for a period of time after the ‘Best Before’ date has passed.

There is no need to show a ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the following (exempt from the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations)

  • fresh fruit and vegetables which haven’t been peeled, cut or similarly treated (except for sprouting seeds and similar products, like legume sprouts)
  • wines, liqueur wines, sparkling wines, aromatised wines and similar products made from fruit other than grapes
  • drinks made from fermented grapes or grape musts
  • drinks containing 10% or more alcohol by volume
  • baked or pastry goods which are normally consumed within 24 hours of being made
  • vinegar
This is a picture of Food date labelling poster

Receiving Surplus – your responsibilities

If receiving surplus near or beyond its ‘Best Before’ date, check all products are of sufficient quality, pack integrity is maintained, and indicate how long each will be good to eat. You can use the WRAP/FSA/Defra guidance for this found at https://www.wrap.ngo/resources/guide/surplus-food-redistribution-wraps-work

Fresh produce (uncut)
Their suitability for consumption is likely to depend on factors like the food type, the variety, seasonality, and the nature of the individual item 		1 day to 2 weeks or more (for a more robust item – such as a swede) Confirm absence of moulds or rotting
Bread and bakery
Packed bread and bakery products 		2 days – 1 week Inspect for quality, especially for the presence of mould (samples may need to be opened to allow this inspection).
Bread and bakery
Items sold in long life packaging (e.g. some pitta breads) 		1 month + As above in foods that can support mould growth. See the example for Cakes below
Ambient Packet:
Crisps 		1 month Confirm absence of staleness; confirm pack integrity maintained
Ambient Packet:
Cake 		3 months Confirm pack integrity maintained
Ambient Packet:
Biscuits/Cereals 		6 months Confirm pack integrity
Ambient Packet:
Dried pasta and pulses 		3 years Confirm pack integrity
Ambient Canned foods:
Soup/Beans/Fish/Meat/etc. 		3 years Confirm pack integrity is maintained and can is free from dents
Ambient Foil pack:
Dry pasta/Soup mix/etc. 		3 years Confirm pack integrity
Ambient Jars:
Jams/Condiments/Sauces** 		3 years Confirm integrity of seal and jars free from damage

*Data collated from the WRAP, the Food Standards Agency and Defra guidance (updated April 2020) found at:
https://wrap.org.uk/content/surplus-food-redistribution-labelling-guidance
**Ambient ONLY, does not apply to chilled storage prior to opening