Beware the use-by date Nobody likes to throw food away, but if you ignore the use by dates and go by smell alone, you can risk serious illness. So warns the Food Standards Agency. In a recent study, the regulator found that half of us do not always check use-by dates. Many of us still smell the milk to see if it is still okay, and even Theresa May, the former Prime Minister, has admitted to scraping the mould off jam in order to cut waste. The agency has warned that some Britons who actively ignore use-by dates could risk being hospitalised. Use-by dates are carefully calculated by assessing bacteria on food which could multiply to make them ill. A spokesman for the agency said: “It’s great that consumers are trying to minimise food waste, but there are lots of ways to do that without gambling with your health, such as planning your meals ahead of time, checking what you have in the fridge is close to its use-by date, and freezing food right up until the use-by dates.” Sadly, there are around 2.4million cases of food poisoning each year, and 180 deaths. (From the editor, I have to admit to being one of these people that at some time or another, I have looked at the use by date, and maybe it’s just out, but will still smelt and taste a bit to see if it’s okay. Naughty me!) TINY TOTS This group might be starting back later in the month, so please keep a look out on their Facebook page for details. 17
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