Defra's latest household food and drink report shows that households throw away 17% of all food bought – a figure that the British Frozen Food Federation says could be slashed if householders opted for frozen equivalents instead.

Commenting on the report findings, Brian Young, director general of the British Frozen Food Federation said: “When millions of people in the world go to bed hungry every night, it’s shocking to see that almost a fifth of food purchased is destined for the rubbish bin. If more consumers opted for frozen, there would be virtually zero waste from products perishing in the cupboard or fridge.”

Defra says that the ‘Household Food and Drink Waste linked to Food and Drink Purchases’ showed that of a total 5.3 million tonnes of avoidable waste, 32% is bread, 24% is potatoes and vegetables and 13% is meat and fish. 

Mr Young continued: “Frozen products can have shelf lives of around 12 months or more depending on the product and will remain in peak condition for the duration of this when stored correctly. Fast and organised harvest and slaughter to freeze methods ensure that nutrients and quality is locked in. 

“However, fresh vegetables can spend up to 14 days in the supply chain where product quality and vitamin and mineral content declines. It is not surprising that fresh produce often perishes before it can be consumed.”

Additional research  from Defra shows that increased pressure on family budgets is still high with an average spending of £39.23 per person per week on food and drink. Vegetable waste costs households £1540m per year, while waste fruit costs £1190m. 

Single person households are likely to waste even more food with their total waste food and drink figure at 22%. In general, higher priced items were wasted at a lower rate than lower price items.