Asda has become the latest grocer to remove best before dates from fresh fruit and veg, helping customers to save money and reduce waste
From 1st September, the supermarket will remove the dates from 250 of its fresh fruit and vegetable products.
The change comes as research from the climate action group WRAP reveals that the average family throws away £60 worth of food and drink each month*.
By removing best before dates and encouraging customers to decide themselves if the food is edible, Asda aims to reduce food waste in the home and in the process save customers money.
Globally, food waste is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In the UK alone, food waste is responsible for an estimated 36 million tonnes of GHG emissions every year, according to WRAP**.
The dates will be replaced by a new code which will be used by store colleagues to ensure the highest quality and freshness is maintained. They are supported by specialist green grocers in over 250 stores who have received training in all aspects of Asda’s fresh produce operation, including where products should be stored to maintain freshness and quality.
Asda is also providing additional guidance online and on packaging to help customers to understand how to best store and prepare fresh food as well as handy hints and tips on how to reduce food waste.
The move comes as other food retailers including Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose have all removed best before dates from various products. Earlier this year Morrisons also removed them from own-brand fresh milk.
