THT or TGT? The difference remains unclear for many

More than one billion products in Dutch supermarkets are now carrying shelf-life icons. With these symbols, manufacturers and retailers aim to help consumers waste less food and make better decisions about expiration dates.

Less waste through clearer information

The Netherlands wastes 1.6 billion kilograms of edible food every year. Around one-third of that waste occurs in consumers’ homes. An estimated 10% of this waste is linked to shelf-life dates.

To address this issue, Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling launched the Coalitie Houdbaarheid two years ago. Participating companies place icons next to shelf-life dates on product packaging. Around 10,000 unique products now feature these symbols. Hundreds of additional products are added every month.

According to Toine Timmermans, director of Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling, the widespread adoption shows that the sector is taking action together. “More consumers have started to look, smell and taste products after the best before date has passed, and that helps prevent unnecessary food waste.”

Distinction between THT and TGT remains challenging

Research by the Voedingscentrum shows that 45% of Dutch consumers understand the difference between the best before date (THT) and the use by date (TGT). This means that more than half of the Dutch population does not know the difference.

A THT date relates to quality. Products can often still be consumed after that date. Looking, smelling and tasting helps consumers assess this. A TGT date, on the other hand, relates to food safety. Products should be consumed, frozen or prepared no later than the date indicated.

“Looking, smelling and tasting helps people assess whether a product is still suitable to eat after the date has passed. But it is important that consumers understand the difference between this and the use by date,” says Lilou van Lieshout, sustainability expert at the Voedingscentrum.

Among consumers, 77% look, smell and taste products after a THT date has passed. The research also shows that 56% do the same with products carrying a TGT date, even though harmful pathogens may develop in these products.

The Coalitie Houdbaarheid includes manufacturers and retailers such as Unilever, Albert Heijn, FrieslandCampina, Jumbo, Lidl, Danone and Uniekaas. The coalition is supported by organisations including FNLI, CBL, Too Good To Go, the Dutch Food Center and the Ministry of LVVN.

Samentegenvoedselverspilling.nl