Food waste is something that affects us in many aspects of our lives, from our wallets to our environment and our kitchens.

Director of Too Good to Go Sophie Truman said that apart from contributing to climate change, food waste is costing Irish households an average of €700 pet year.

“There is, I think, a lot of confusion around date labels and it’s that misconception, particularly when we look at best before labels, that’s causing a lot of food waste,” she told Lunchtime Live.

“So actually, when we look at some of the stats, 38% of the Irish people are throwing away items that are past the best before date because they think they’re not safe to eat."

Ms Truman said that, rather than immediately throw out foods that are past the best before date, you should use your senses to determine if the food looks or smells unsafe.

JGAJF6 An open fridge with various items of fresh food and drink on the glass shelves. England, UK.

However, when it comes to use by dates, she strongly advised consumers to follow them closely.

“What I would suggest is, if you’re seeing it go out [of date] or it’s on the day, pop it in the freezer,” she said.

“That is a great way of capturing the quality.

“With best before dates, which a lot of products are – think about a lot of dairy items, eggs, bread, pastries, a lot of dry goods – best before is really just an indicator.

“Some of those products can last months after that best before date if they’re stored properly.”

According to Ms Truman, when it comes to certain canned goods, products can last weeks, months, or even years after the use by date.

Main image: Close Of Woman Putting Food Waste Into Recycling Bin In Kitchen. Image: Daisy-Daisy / Alamy. 11 January 2018