A savvy mother has shared a supermarket secret that could help shoppers select fresher produce and reduce food waste. Gemma Bird, known online as @Moneymum and a Sunday Times bestselling author, revealed the meaning behind a code found on some fresh vegetable packaging.
In a TikTok video, Bird explained that codes like 'F15' on a packet of leeks indicate the best before date. The letter corresponds to the month, with A for January, B for February, and so on. The number represents the day of the month. Thus, F15 means June 15.
This code is used on items that do not carry standard best before dates, such as certain fresh vegetables. Best before dates indicate when food is at its best quality, not when it becomes unsafe to eat, and are typically found on non-refrigerated items like dry pasta, bread, and tinned goods.
Viewers expressed gratitude for the tip, with one commenting: 'OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I always get so confused!' Another added: 'Goodness thank you I had no idea what this meant on packaging!' A third noted the system helps reduce food waste by preventing panic over items one day past their best before date.
