ASDA issues one-week warning to every shopper

Supermarket giant ASDA has made a major announcement that will affect every shopper in the country. The grocer has warned it is making a change that will affect a whopping 250 of its products.

Asda is to remove ‘best before’ dates from almost 250 fresh fruit and vegetable products as it joins a movement among supermarkets to help customers cut waste and save money. The supermarket will leave the dates off produce including citrus fruits, potatoes, cauliflowers and carrots across all its UK stores from September 1.

The dates will be replaced by a new code which will be used by store staff to ensure quality and freshness, the retailer said. Asda is also providing guidance online and on packaging to help customers store and prepare fresh food as well as tips on how to reduce waste.

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It follows the Waste & Resources Action Programme (Wrap) saying that ‘best before’ dates on fruit and vegetables are unnecessary and contribute to climate change. Wrap figures suggest that the average family throws away £60 worth of food and drink each month.

Asda head of technical Andy Cockshaw said: “Reducing food waste in our business and in customers’ homes is a priority and we are always looking at different ways to achieve this We know for customers this has become more important than ever in the current climate as many families are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and are looking to make savings wherever they can.”

Catherine David, director of collaboration and change at Wrap, said: “We are delighted by this development from Asda to help tackle food waste in our homes. Our research has shown that date labels on fruit and veg are unnecessary – getting rid of