Tesco issues important warning to shoppers who buy yoghurts on weekly shop

Tesco has issued a warning to shoppers who buy yoghurts during their weekly shop. The UK wastes around 9.5 million tonnes of food every year, according to WasteManagement.co.uk, and Tesco has shared what you can do to reduce food waste, in particular yoghurt.

Urging shoppers to freeze their yoghurts, Tesco said: "Freezers are the most efficient when they are full, so make the most of the space to prevent food waste and have ingredients ready to go. From milk and cheese to veg and rice, your freezer can do it all".

"You’ve probably bought frozen yoghurt on holiday as a cooling summer treat." It adds: "If you’ve got kids, pop a lolly stick in mini yoghurts ready for summer snacks at a later date. Or plan ahead and use up the end of a tub of Greek yoghurt to make these three-ingredient frozen yoghurt bites filled with fruit and granola."

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Tesco Lead Technical Manager for Dairy Amy Walker said: “We know some shoppers may be unclear about the difference between ‘Use By’ and ‘Best Before’ dates on food and this can lead to perfectly edible items being thrown away unnecessarily.

“We have made the decision to remove ‘Use By’ dates on yogurts where it is safe to do so, after extensive testing which reveals that the acidity of the product acts as a natural preservative. However consumers should always use their judgement to determine if the quality is acceptable."

“These lines represent a significant proportion of our own brand yogurts and we hope to phase the change in between now and the end of June," Amy said. Catherine David, Director of Collaboration & Change at WRAP said:“WRAP welcomes this change from our partner, Tesco, which will help reduce food waste in our homes. Wasting food feeds climate change and costs us money – with the average family spending over £700 year on good food which ends up in the bin."

“Our research shows applying the appropriate date label to products can help reduce the amount of good food that is thrown away. For yogurts, applying a ‘Best before’ date rather than a ‘Use by’ date means that people can use their judgement to eat beyond that date, giving people longer to use what they buy.

“Check out Love Food Hate Waste for tips on how to make the most of the food you buy – for example ensuring your fridge is below 5°C, to keep your food fresher for longer.” In his book ‘Plastic Sucks’, McFly star and author Dougie Poynter says: "There is likely to be loads of plastic waste around your kitchen, in your utility cupboard and in the fridge.

“A good rule of thumb is to buy in bulk, to take your own bags and containers to local shops or seek out foot items in jars or cardboard. At the supermarket, instead of individual yoghurts buy a big pot and decant into jars at home.”