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Think date labels are just there to stop you from eating something past its best? They’re actually a key part of keeping you safe—and they’re being ignored more than you’d expect.
Safe to Trade, the UK food safety consumer standard, reviewed nearly 1,000 hospitality venues and found over 6,800 food safety issues. The most common problem? Missing or unclear date labels.
Let’s take a closer look at why these stickers matter more than you think.
When was the last time you checked the date label on something in your fridge? If you’re like most people, probably today. But in restaurants, cafés, and catering kitchens across the UK, this simple habit is often missed—and it’s causing serious problems.
Safe to Trade found that date coding is the number one reason hospitality venues fail food safety checks. That means food is being stored, served or thrown away without anyone really knowing how fresh or safe it is.
Between January 2023 and November 2024, 948 Safe to Trade audits were carried out across UK hospitality venues. They found:
This isn’t just a technicality. It’s a real risk to your health.
Here’s why date labels matter to you:
Food Safety – They help kitchen staff know when food is no longer safe to serve—reducing the risk of food poisoning.
Less Waste – Clear labelling means food isn’t thrown away too early or kept too long. That’s better for the planet and your plate.
Better Quality – Freshness matters. Date labels help ensure what you’re served is as good as it should be.
Even as a customer, you can help raise the bar:
– Ask questions if something seems off
– Support venues that are ‘Safe to Trade’.
– At home, label leftovers and check dates before eating.
Date labels might seem like a small thing, but they’re a big part of keeping food safe, fresh, and waste-free. Whether you’re cooking at home or eating out, don’t overlook them.
