More Canadians eating food past 'best before' dates as costs rise
As the cost of groceries increases, more Canadians are willing to go past the best before dates on food. A recent study out of Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab surveyed 9,109 Canadians to see how they are managing food safety risks.
It found that 58 per cent of respondents were more inclined to consume food close to or past its best before date due to higher food costs. Forty-eight per cent said they were unsure whether eating such food could lead to illness, and just over 50 per cent said they believe higher food prices have forced them to take more risks with food.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"The findings from our study at the Agri-Food Analytics Lab highlight a concerning trend: as food prices climb, more Canadians are taking risks with their food safety," said Agri-Food Director Dr. Sylvain Charlebois. "It's imperative that we address these issues collectively to ensure that no Canadian must choose between economic hardship and their health."
Some local shoppers on Thursday told CTV News they have treated best before dates as guidelines rather than hard rules in the past – the rising cost of food only reinforcing that strategy.
"I've always done that and I'll continue to do it," said Doug Gray, "but more so now because of the cost of groceries going up."
For Kirsten Tucker, it marks a clear change in her family's eating habits.
"We do not follow [best before dates] anymore to be honest," Tucker said. "We travel for our groceries further than we used to because of the costs, so it makes it harder."
Celine Hobbs says she is strict about following the printed guidelines, but can understand why other families would push the limits of their food's lifespan.
"It's either that or buy things that are not healthy or the cheapest alternative that you possibly find just so that you can get food," Hobbs said.
The findings out of Agri-Food are in line with what some nutritionists have observed locally. Rachel Caven of Caven Nutrition says around 50 per cent of her clients have admitted to consuming food past its best before date. A tactic, she says, that does not immediately raise health concerns.
"Depending on the product, you can actually push the best before date a little bit," she said. "You might find it decrease the quality or the taste of the food, but it won't necessarily be dangerous."
That advice ends at food products that can become hazardous.
"Absolutely stick with the best before and expiry dates on all meats, but things like dried foods - you can push a little bit, some condiments as well - maybe a couple of days."
Rather than put safety on the line, Caven recommends doing some extra planning ahead of the trip to the grocery store.
"The biggest thing is planning out some meals for the week and doing batch cooking. It's okay to have some of the processed foods every once in a while when you need to, but trying to have some really cost effective, healthy foods is crucial."
Or residents can take food into their own hands with a home garden.
"You don't have to have a huge backyard or farm or anything - you can start in a windowsill or even on a balcony and start with some herbs, or tomatoes, or some greens. That can help you with your food for the whole summer."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.