REDUCING THE WASTAGE OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES BY CONSUMERS

摘要

Consumer waste of fresh produce is a major problem in the UK, as 1.4 million tonnes are thrown away per annum. This project had four objectives. The first was to determine how consumers currently store fresh produce in their homes, which produce was thrown away and the reasons for its rejection. The second was to review the storage advice currently supplied by food retailers. The third was to devise and test practical methods for reducing fresh produce waste in the home using domestic refrigerators and the fourth was to utilise these data to provide better advice. Simple consistent storage advice messages were developed for use by food retailers to use on packaging and at point of sale for free-flow products. This messaging has been promoted by WRAP and endorsed particularly by several major retailers including Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and The Co-operative.