AH increases awareness of use-by and best-before dates

Albert Heijn has now added information about shelf-life dates to more than half of all its private-label packaging. In doing so, the supermarket chain has achieved the primary objective of the Coalition Shelf-life. Through the icons, Albert Heijn aims to help consumers make better use of shelf-life information and reduce food waste at home.

Difference between THT and TGT

Products carrying a Best Before date (THT) feature the look, smell, taste icon. With this icon, Albert Heijn indicates that these products are often still good after the date shown on the packaging. Consumers can judge for themselves whether a product is still suitable for consumption.

For products carrying a Use By date (TGT), the retailer uses a hand icon. This makes it clear that a product should no longer be used after the date indicated. According to Albert Heijn, the product may no longer be safe to eat and should be discarded.

The supermarket also points out that products with a Use By date can be prepared before or on the date shown. If they are then properly sealed and refrigerated, their shelf life can be extended by two days.

Additional focus on dairy products

To help reduce waste from dairy products, Albert Heijn developed a combined empty-the-pack instruction for these packages.

According to Albert Heijn, greater knowledge of shelf-life dates is not only beneficial for the environment, but also for consumers' wallets. As a result, products are less likely to be thrown away.

Albert Heijn joined the Coalition Shelf-life in 2024. Within this collaboration, retailers and manufacturers, united through the Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling network, work to increase awareness of shelf life. This week, the Coalition Shelf-life is also running a campaign to give consumers greater clarity about shelf-life dates.

Ah.nl