Apples, oranges and other fruit should be kept in the fridge to prolong their life, new supermarket labels will say, in a move which could usher in the end of the traditional fruit bowl.
The labels will form part of freshly updated Government-backed guidance to help consumers reduce the amount of food they throw in the bin by changing advice on packs of supermarket food.
The waste charity WRAP, the Food Standards Agency and the Department for Food and Rural Affairs, sets out best practice in the choice and application of date labels and storage advice.
Under the plan supermarkets will introduce a new “Little Blue Fridge” icon for foods which should be kept chilled, or benefit from being kept in the fridge to prevent them going off.
The icon will appear on many foods which are not typically kept in the fridge. For example WRAP confirmed that fruit apples, oranges and pears, which are usually kept in a fruitbowl, should in fact be stored in the fridge.
Dr Andrew Parry, a special advisor on food and drink at WRAP, said, “Most fresh fruit and vegetables will keep fresher for longer if kept in their packaging and in the fridge.
We’d recommend that when people get home from their shop they have a look at the labels and, where appropriate, put fresh produce in the fridge.
“Generally a good way to manage fruit at home is to take out enough for a few days into the fruit bowl – if you prefer it at room temperature; but use your fridge as cold storage for the majority. This will give you more time to enjoy your food, and help cut down on waste.”
To meet the new standard supermarkets must also only select a “Use By” date when there is a food safety reason. Otherwise it must use a “Best Before” date. In addition they must include only one date label on any product, with no “Display Until” date.
Environment Minister, Thérèse Coffey said: “We know that confusing labels can contribute to food waste by suggesting that edible items need to be thrown away sooner than is necessary.
“This new guidance will make packaging much clearer for consumers, saving them money and reducing waste.
“I encourage all food businesses, large and small, to use this guidance to help them put the right date mark on food and help to guide people on the refrigeration and freezing of products which are crucial to reducing the amount of edible food thrown away.”
Heather Hancock, chairman at the Food Standards Agency, said: “I welcome this clear guidance to help tackle food waste, without compromising the safety of food. It will help businesses supply food that is properly described and stored, and safely provided to consumers.”
Businesses are also exploring whether the “Open Life” date on bagged salads could be extended, WRAP said. This would result in people having an extra day to eat the salad once opened.
