DEMISTYFYING DATE MARKING: THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD CHOICES

In the contemporary landscape of food production, distribution, and consumption, the act of date marking has emerged as a pivotal yet intricate facet. This study undertakes a nuanced exploration into the domain of date marking, with a specific focus on the dynamics within the European Union (EU) and Romania. The investigation delves into the EU regulations, emphasizing their indispensable role in ensuring food safety and quality, while concurrently fostering sustainable practices. By scrutinizing Romania's adherence to these regulations, we unveil the principles and practices among EU member states, culminating in a harmonized approach to date marking. This alignment sets the groundwork for a more robust and standardized European food market. As we go deeper into the topic, we find there are two main types of date markings: "use by" and "best before." Each of these tells a different story and affects how safe the food is for people and how much food gets thrown away. This study shows that if people understand these dates, they can make smart choices and help make food choices that are good for the environment and, also, good for the economy. By choosing products carefully and finding ways to waste less food, people can make a positive difference in how we handle food and food waste. This study not only explains the details of date marking but also helps readers see the bigger picture and understand the topic in a new way.