Avoid food waste in kitchens: 5 tips!

The kitchen is possibly a place where more waste or trash is generated due to spoiled food or packaging. How can you avoid food waste in kitchens?

What is food waste?

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations states that there is not only waste, but also loss of food.

Food loss refers to the reduction in the quantity and quality of agricultural, forestry and fishing products intended for human consumption that are not consumed by people.

That is, food losses can occur from production to transportation, due to problems in the food system (technology, infrastructure, logistics, among others).

On the contrary, waste occurs when food is suitable for consumption but has been discarded by choice or because it is spoiled.

5 ideas to avoid food waste in kitchens

In Portugal, around 1 million tons of food are wasted per year, according to the study “Do Campo ao Fork. Food Waste in Portugal”. How can you make a difference by avoiding food waste in kitchens?

Pay attention to expiration dates

It seems like such a simple activity but it is a task that is not always accomplished. Find out what details you should pay attention to:

• “Use by”: means that food cannot be consumed after the date indicated on the expiration date
• “Consume preferably before the end of”: the date indicates until when the food retains its properties and the deadline is identified with month and year. It can be consumed after the expiration date as long as it complies with the conservation rules
• “Consume preferably before…”: the date indicates until when the food retains its properties and the deadline is identified with day, month and year. It can be consumed after the expiration date as long as it complies with the conservation rules

Always enjoy your food

To avoid food waste in kitchens, it is important to reduce losses and make the most of available ingredients. Furthermore, buying imperfect foods can also help reduce this waste.

Store correctly

Preserving food increases its shelf life, so it is necessary to keep it in appropriate places with recommended light or temperature.

You can also organize products according to their expiration date.

Controlling stock is essential

To avoid losses, it is important to have a system that controls everything that is or is not necessary to purchase. This prevents spoiled food or missing items.

Too Good to Go

On those days when, despite all your efforts, there is food left over, you can also avoid food waste in the kitchens.

The Too Good to Go app allows you not only to sell what's left in your establishment but also to provide visibility to attract new customers.