A survey involving 2,000 adults has revealed that the typical British household discards approximately £5 of fresh food every week, with over a quarter (27%) acknowledging they waste £10 or more.
In addition, seven out of ten individuals report having thrown out fruit or vegetables that deteriorated before they could be consumed, while almost one in five (19%) do this at least weekly.
The rising temperatures seem to be exacerbating the situation, with 41% confessing they have discarded refrigerated items after they went bad.
These results emerge following England’s hottest June on record and the UK’s second warmest, according to provisional Met Office figures.
The month concluded with an unprecedented heatwave that sent temperatures exceeding 30°C for seven consecutive days and produced the UK’s highest-ever June temperature of 37.7°C in Norfolk.
Another heatwave is possible within days, with temperatures forecast to reach 30°C in certain regions.
James Cooper, senior product manager for refrigeration at Hotpoint, which funded the survey, explained that when conditions turn hotter, extra caution should be taken regarding food storage at home. The refrigerator plays a vital part in maintaining freshness during extreme heat. Some items typically kept at ambient temperature, including eggs, bread, tomatoes and avocados, may deteriorate more rapidly in heat. Depending on storage recommendations, produce like berries, stone fruits, butter and soft cheeses could benefit from refrigeration during very warm conditions. Raw meat and fish require careful handling and should be kept chilled below 5°C, particularly during intense heat. Refrigerators should operate between 3 and 5°C, though older units may struggle to sustain steady temperatures during a heatwave. Without proper temperature maintenance, food freshness diminishes more quickly. Ensuring appliances maintain consistent cooling becomes especially important when weather grows warmer.