South Africa is introducing a national standard, SANS 2088, aimed at reducing food waste and improving food security. A key component of the standard clarifies the difference between “best before” and “use by” dates, a common source of confusion leading to unnecessary disposal of edible food. This framework provides guidelines for the safe donation and redistribution of surplus food throughout the country. SANS 2088 is the first of its kind in South Africa, establishing a national approach to address the growing issue of food waste. The standard seeks to streamline processes for businesses and organizations involved in food donation. It aims to ensure that safe, nutritious food reaches those in need, rather than ending up in landfills. The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on both environmental sustainability and food access.