THE Channel Islands Co-op is removing the sell-by dates from its own-brand products in a move to help reduce food waste.
The retailer will launch the initiative by removing the expiry date on Co-op dairy products and desserts.
Shoppers will instead have to ‘judge’ on their own terms the quality of the product before purchasing.
It is a move that has already been adopted by other Co-ops in the UK, including East of England Co-op and Co-op UK (Manchester).
As part of the change, the Channel Islands Co-op has moved to reassure shoppers that although the dates will be removed from own-brand products, staff will continue their routine of checking and rotating stock to ensure that all products meet requirements for sale and safety.
For any products nearing the end of their shelf-life, the price will be reduced.
Although the Channel Islands Co-op works with local organisations and charities such as OLIO, Guernsey Welfare Service and The Grace Trust, it said it wants to take a further step to reduce waste.
Mark Cox, chief executive for The Channel Islands Co-operative Society, said: ‘As a community retailer, we want to ensure that we are doing all we can to support and preserve our natural environment.
‘We recognised that we have a responsibility to reduce our contribution to the issue of food waste, hence why we are making this move to further reduce our wastage.’
According to the Government of Jersey, it is believed that around a third of rubbish that ends up in household bins is food waste. Furthermore, it is thought that more than a quarter of food is thrown away in its original packaging.
Mr Cox continued: ‘Food date labels can sometimes be confusing or ambiguous, with terms such as “Display until” or “Best before”. By removing this, we’re choosing to bring shopping back to its basics by encouraging shoppers to look, see and inspect the products they are purchasing.’
