News that we throw away about a third of our food has recently captured the headlines, with some questioning the impact of the “best by” and “sell by” dates, which some say encourages shoppers to throw out products that are still edible. However, given the trend towards eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, and the increasing concern with health and safety, food waste is a problem that is here to stay.

Of all the waste materials being generated by mankind, food waste seems perhaps most offensive in a world where so many do not have enough to eat. Moreover, it is expensive to deal with. The US spends an estimated $1bn a year in disposing of excess food, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.