The article discusses the issue of food waste in Estonia, highlighting that a vast amount of edible food ends up in trash primarily due to misconceptions surrounding expiry date labels. Each year, approximately 90 million tons of food are wasted in the European Union, with an estimated nine million tons attributed to incorrect interpretations of these labels. In Estonia, the average household generates food waste of 61 kilograms per person per year, with 26 kilograms consisting of wasted food. This presents a pressing issue in terms of not only food security but also environmental sustainability.

Professor Mati Roasto from the Estonian University of Life Sciences emphasizes that the confusion mainly lies between the terms 'best before' and 'use by.' He explains that the 'best before' date does not mean that the food is dangerous after that date; rather, it indicates that the quality may not be optimal. Most food items can still be consumable after this date, contributing to unnecessary waste. On the other hand, the 'use by' date signifies a point at which the food could become unsafe to eat, and he encourages awareness about the differences to reduce food waste significantly.

The article's implications extend beyond just individual behavior; they touch on broader public health and environmental concerns. By addressing these misconceptions and educating the public about the proper meanings of food labeling, there is potential to greatly reduce food waste and improve food security while also lessening health risks associated with consuming expired products. This highlights the urgent need for better food education initiatives, particularly in relation to food safety and environmental sustainability.