Proposals that could require food manufacturers to publish two different dates on printed adhesive labels have drawn praise.
The European Union wants use-by and sell-by dates to be printed on food packaging as part of a wider effort to reduce the amount of food that is wasted.
According to FoodDrinkEurope, it is in favour of clarifying the information on labels, as it will "help raise consumer awareness and knowledge".
"Most of the food waste is generated at household level," it commented.
FoodDrinkEurope described tackling this problem is a "key priority" for the industry.
The organisation said this is because fuel and raw materials also go to waste when food is discarded, along with water.
This comes after the European Commission said it makes good financial sense to improve conditions in the food supply chain given the current economic climate.
Commissioners Antonio Tajani, Michel Barnier, Dacian Ciolos and John Dalli stated that processes need to be more "efficient and competitive".
Denny Bros Ltd, 25 January 2012
