Nestlé adds on-pack guidance to tackle food waste and date label confusion

Nestlé has introduced new on-pack guidance in New Zealand aimed at helping consumers understand date labels and reduce avoidable household food waste.

The Sniff, Look, Taste pilot launched nationwide on 11 August with support from Nestlé’s national food rescue partner, the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN).

The initiative is appearing on selected MAGGI 2 Minute Noodles packs and encourages consumers to check date labels before disposing of food. Where a product is approaching or has passed its Best Before date, the guidance suggests using smell, appearance and taste to help determine whether it is still suitable to eat.

An estimated 1.2 million tonnes of food is lost or wasted in New Zealand each year, according to figures provided by Nestlé, with households accounting for around 366,000 tonnes. Food waste is estimated to cost the country $3 billion annually and the average household around $1,364.

Research from Love Food Hate Waste cited by Nestlé found that two in five New Zealanders misunderstand date labels, while more than one in 10 dispose of food after its Best Before date without first checking whether it is still suitable to eat.

Food and nutrition scientist Dr Emma Beckett said the Sniff, Look, Taste pilot could support food safety while encouraging better use of food in the home.

NZFN works with food producers, growers and manufacturers to recover surplus food that remains safe to eat, including suitable products that have passed their Best Before date, before redistributing it through food hubs across New Zealand.

The on-pack logo currently appears on MAGGI Sweet Chilli and Sour Cream 2 Minute Noodles 345g packs and MAGGI Smokey Barbecue 2 Minute Noodles 345g packs, available through supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide.