dumpster diving

parys1

As someone whose job it is to enforce those darn health codes I just have to put in my two cents worth about dumpster diving.

Don't do it. The truth is that if something is in a dumpster you really don't know why it's there. It could be there because it's past its sell by date (no big deal) or it could be there because it was implicated in a product recall because it may contain something that could make you sick. You just don't know. Especially if you are talking about non-shelf stable products you don't know how long they have been there or what temperatures they have been subjected to before you discovered that "treasure".

And the thought of discarded food being pulled out of a dumpster then donated to a shelter is even more disturbing. If you want to take risks with your own health then it's pretty much on you. But don't pass those risks on to someone who doesn't know you found the food in a dumpster.

In the U.S. the Feeding America and Second Harvest programs work to collect foodstuffs that are nearing the end of their economic life but still have some safety margin left. They then then store and redistribute those food products so they make it to those in need, but in a safe manner. Most of the major retail chains participate in these programs and many smaller businesses do as well. But they can always use more donations.

If you really want to cut down on food waste then talk to the owners and managers of the businesses you frequent and ask them if they participate in a food banking program. Donate money,time food. Just don't dig it out of a dumpster to do it.

^^
This, even though I am neither working to enforce health codes, nor am I American. It is just incredibly sensible.

TheFisherKing

What a fascinating post. I would not our of fear of bacteria and being caught.

DoNotSpamMe73

Yes. It is real life. Weird isn't it?
I'd definitely do bakeries, a lot wrap up bread they have to throw away for dumpster divers or 'freegans'.