Canadians More Likely to Eat Food Past Best-Before Date as Grocery Costs Rise, Study Finds

The rise in grocery prices is pushing an increasing number of Canadians to eat food that has passed its best-before date, a new study surveying Canadian eating habits has found. The consumption of potentially unsafe foods is directly linked to escalating prices at grocery stores, says Dalhousie University Agri-Food Analytics Lab professor Sylvain Charlebois, adding that many Canadians simply cannot afford to waste any food. “As food prices climb, more Canadians are taking risks with their food safety,” said Mr. Charlebois, a well-known food distribution expert. He described the trend as “concerning.” “This behaviour, driven by economic necessity, exposes a critical vulnerability in our food system where food security and food safety intersect,” he added....