The introduction of the policy was instructed by the European Union, in order for each country to waste and throw away less food, which could instead be distributed to socially vulnerable groups.

However because the rules were passed in a fast-track procedure, without any public debate, there has been some criticism. Slovenia's Consumers Association warns that those products with expired "best before" dates should be clearly marked by stores and put on separate shelves. It adds that the quality of the food being sold is still the responsibility of the shops. At the same time humanitarian organizations accept responsibility for the food given away to the socially vulnerable.

K. J., Radio Si