best beforeFrance made headlines a few weeks ago by making grocery stores donate unsold products to charities, including food that was past the best before date.

So could something like that work here?

The CFIA says it’s not illegal to distribute food that has passed the best before date, which means food items could theoretically be donated.

It does say a best before date is no indicator of food safety, but rather an indicator that taste, texture, and nutrition value could change.

The CFIA says you can’t judge through taste or smell whether food may cause illness and says when it doubt throw it out.

In addition, people should not eat or use food that has passed an expiry date, as opposed to a best before date, food like meal replacements, nutritional supplements, or infant formula.

Local MPs could not be reached for comment on whether there would be any appetite for Canada adopting a policy similar to France’s.