Another supermarket chain makes big change to milk

May 29, 2023

A LARGE supermarket chain has made a big change to milk in a bid to reduce waste.

Marks and Spencer is the latest retailer to remove "use-by" dates from its milk.

The change will be seen on its "too good to waste" British and organic fresh milk.

The retailer will replace the use-by dates with best-before dates as part of its commitment to halve food waste by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040.

M&S claims to be the first retailer to provide best-before dates on fully recyclable milk bottles.

The change is set to be rolled out across all of its UK shops this week.

It comes as the supermarket's latest Family Matters Index revealed 72% of families in the UK are trying to reduce their household waste.

The research also found that 55% said it was important to them that shops made it easier for them to make more sustainable choices.

Climate charity WRAP's director of collaboration and change, Catherine David, said: "Milk is the third most wasted food in the home behind potatoes and bread, with around 490 million pints poured down the drain every year – 18 and a half per household – worth £270 million.

"The main reason is not drinking before the use-by date.

"By changing its British and organic fresh milk to a best-before date, M&S is instantly helping its customers save money and cut waste by giving them more time to consume the milk they buy."

Morrisons was one of the first retailers to scrap use-by dates on milk in January 2022.

They urged customers to opt for the "sniff test" before throwing milk away, but not everyone was convinced.

Many customers took to Twitter to complain about the move at the time.

One said: "So, Morrisons - can we open the bottle in order to sniff it before purchase? Or do we have to go home, sniff it, then bring it back if it's off?"

Another added: "I can open the milk whilst still in Morrisons to check then I guess?"

We have approached other supermarkets to find out if they also have plans to ditch the dates.

We will update here with more information as we get it.