The UK's food safety watchdog has warned people against risking their health to try to save money amid the cost of living crisis.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is concerned about people eating food past its use-by date or switching off their fridge and freezer to cut costs in the wake of soaring energy bills, rising food costs and increased mortgage payments. A survey conducted by the FSA found that 32% of respondents had eaten food past its use-by date at least once in the past month, while 18% had turned off a fridge or freezer to reduce energy bills.
This year, major UK retailers such as Morrisons have scrapped their best-before dates on many fresh products in a bid to reduce food waste, but the FSA suggests the more important use-by dates should still be followed where possible, according to Grocery Gazette.
Read more: What can you eat safely after its best before date?
Shoppers often confuse best-before and use-by dates. Use-by dates are about safety, and are the most important date to remember. You can eat food until and on the use-by date but not after. You will see use-by dates on food that goes off quickly, such as meat products or ready-to-eat salads.
Best before dates are about quality The best before date, sometimes shown as BBE (best before end), is about quality and not safety. The food will be safe to eat after this date but may not be at its best. Its flavour and texture might not be as good. Best before dates appear on a wide range of foods including frozen foods, dried foods and tinned foods.
The FSA survey also found 40% of consumers were worried about being able to afford food in the next month. “We know many people are worried about food affordability right now and our evidence shows that people are finding ways to save money where they can,” FSA chief executive Emily Miles said.
“It’s not a good idea to turn off the fridge or eat food past its use-by date as these things can lead to a higher risk of you becoming ill with food poisoning. Keeping your fridge cold enough, 5C or below, will prevent bacteria from multiplying on your food and make it last as long as it can.”
Read more:
- Households could save cash by taking a look at their fridge-freezer according to Which? consumer experts
- Clever tips on how to save cash on your weekly food shopping trip
- Switching off to save cash might cost you more in the long run
- Energy saving tips that will save you money - and others which are a waste of time
- Tumble driers, radiators and heated airers: Work out the best way to get your laundry dry amid the energy crisis
