It was great to see the FSA announcing their food date label consultation with industry last week.  We know from research carried out with the FSA that consumers are confused about what ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ date labels actually mean.

The figures are worrying.  Almost 3 million tonnes of food and drink is thrown away each year before ever being cooked or served – basically because it has not been used ‘in time’.

We also know that 450,000 tonnes of food is thrown away because it has passed a ‘best before’ date.  That is a crazy figure because that same food should be perfectly safe to eat up to and after this date as long as it is stored correctly.

We have worked closely with the FSA on this issue and our research on food waste has helped to shape this consultation.  We are looking forward to feedback from industry and eventually delivering greater consistency for consumers to help them make better use of the food they buy.

I am also really encouraged by supermarket initiatives such as Love Your Left Overs and Great Taste Less Waste.  Local authorities are also playing their part with over 200 of them supporting our Love Food Hate Waste campaign.

This is one of a number of projects we are working on to help consumers better understand information on food and drink packaging.

The On-Pack Recycling Label scheme is another good example.  Developed by The British Retail Consortium in partnership with WRAP, this is a response to research that has identified a need to better inform consumers about what types of packaging can be recycled.

Basically, it aims to increase household recycling rates through standardised messaging for consumers.  So far, 65 major retailers and food manufacturers have signed up.  Isn’t it great to see industry working together to make a difference?

There is no escaping the fact that the current level of food and drink waste is having a negative impact on both the environment and the economy.  There is no time like the present to act so please consider how you could make a difference.

Here is my contribution to the cause – tonight’s dinner from our Love Food Hate Waste recipe suggestions!