How could the removal of best before dates affect the British Retail Consortium?
The British Retail Consortium may issue guidance on new food labeling standards. The removal of best before dates by major retailers like Asda and Tesco represents a significant shift in UK food labeling practices, driven by efforts to tackle food waste. Since the British Retail Consortium represents the interests of the retail sector, this change in industry standard requires a formal response. The BRC could issue commentary or guidance to members, clarifying the distinction between 'use by' dates (which relate to safety) and 'best before' dates (which relate to quality), as detailed in expert advice.
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How it reaches British Retail Consortium
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Asda and Tesco removed best before dates from a range of products on October 11, 2026. This move follows a trend where several UK supermarkets, including Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, began removing dates a year earlier to tackle food waste. The change is intended to reduce waste caused by shoppers mistakenly discarding edible products.
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As a major retailer, Asda's decision to remove best before dates contributes to a broader industry trend, affecting how food is labeled and how consumers interact with products across the UK retail market. As the trade association representing the UK retail sector, the British Retail Consortium is likely to provide commentary or guidance to its members regarding the new standard, particularly clarifying the difference between quality-based best before dates and safety-based use by dates.
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Asda and Tesco removed best before dates, impacting shelf life standards.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
- The move was intended to reduce unnecessary waste caused by shoppers misunderstanding food labels.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
- The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) said the change could save thousands of tonnes of food from being discarded each year.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
- Best before dates relate to food quality rather than safety.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
Why it matters
The shift in labeling standards is significant because it directly influences consumer behavior and the massive issue of food waste in the UK. For the British Retail Consortium, which represents the interests of the entire retail sector, this change sets a new operational and communication benchmark that members must adhere to or respond to.
This move aligns with broader efforts to improve sustainability and reduce waste, a topic of increasing focus across the UK government and industry. The clarity provided by the BRC on these new standards will be crucial for retailers to manage consumer expectations and maintain compliance while achieving waste reduction goals.
What we don't know yet
- Will the BRC issue specific guidance on how retailers should communicate the change to consumers?
- How will the removal of best before dates affect the overall food waste figures reported by the industry?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- swindonadvertiser.co.ukOct 11
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