Expired food is quickly found in the refrigerator. Supermarkets don’t usually sell them anymore. But in England, there is now a new trend: expired food is given a new chance and is offered for sale!
There is a supermarket in the English city of Leeds that sells expired groceries. The “Sharehouse” offers fruit, vegetables, yogurts, and many other foods that other supermarkets or restaurants would not resell or process.
Every customer pays what he wants
The highlight of Sharehouse: every customer can decide for himself in the store what he pays for the expired groceries. Consumers can find out what is currently being offered and sold via Facebook – from the comfort of their own homes.
The “Real Junk Food Project” – expired food
In England, the recently launched “Real Junk Food Project” has been very well received. Just because a food has exceeded its best-before date does not necessarily mean that it can no longer be eaten.
Here people can make a difference and buy cheap groceries. This project is not only suitable for frugal people, but also for everyone who wants to make a statement against today’s throwaway society and food waste.
Expired groceries are now also in Germany
The founders of “Sharehouse” agree: they want to open more branches. A similar concept already exists in Denmark with the “WeFood” shop. Since 2016, groceries have been offered there with a discount of up to 50 percent.
Now a “leftovers” supermarket has finally opened in Cologne. The supermarket “The Good Food” follows a concept similar to that in England: the end consumer only pays what the food is worth to them. Vegetables, fruit, but also baked goods, and preserves are sold there.
What does the health authority say?
Basically, customers need to be aware that something has expired. That’s why signs are put up in Cologne – the employees also explain to the customer personally. However, this is only the case for the best before date, as this is only a recommendation. Products with a clear use-by date, such as raw fish or raw meat, are not sold there. That would speak against the hygiene regulations.
Would you also like to give something to help reduce food waste? Go ahead and check your fridge. What foods do you buy often but rarely process? Which foods are good to process before they go bad?
