FLPC Director Speaks on MSNBC About Food Waste

On Earth Day, April 22^nd, FLPC’s director Emily Broad Leib joined author Jonathan Bloom  and Mike Curtin, CEO of DC Central Kitchen for a panel discussion on food waste following the television premiere of “Just Eat It: A Food Waste story.” The panel, hosted by MSNBC’s food policy correspondent chef Tom Colicchio, discussed the issues raised by the documentary about the alarming amount of food waste in the United States. Roughly 40% of the food produced in the US is thrown away, despite much of this food still being perfectly safe and wholesome. For example, much food is disposed because it is past its “sell by” or “best by” date. However, these dates are not related to safety, and the FDA does not regulate the vast majority of expiration labels, leaving the decision to states or more generally to manufacturers. The panel goes on to remind viewers that food that destined for the landfill could be given to food pantries, soup kitchens, and other charities if regulatory changes were made.

Watch part 1 of the panel discussion

Watch part 2 of the panel discussion

Watch an excerpt about expiration dates