UK: Survey shows consumers will to eat ugly veg
The poll, for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME), showed that fewer than one-in-five people would only buy produce that is unblemished and uniform in size and shape. In January, a report by the IME estimated that between 30% and 50% of the food produced worldwide is lost or wasted. It found vegetable and fruit crops around the world are frequently not harvested or do not leave the farm after failing to meet tough quality controls on physical appearance imposed by retailers and supermarkets.
In the poll, 45% of people said that the appearance of fruit and vegetables doesn't matter; 26% said they would buy the cheapest option, and 10% said they would actively seek out and choose imperfect looking produce. There are differences when it comes to gender; men are revealed to be more concerned with cosmetically-pleasing food, with 22% choosing only perfect-looking fruit and vegetables compared with 16% of women.
Tim Fox, head of energy and environment at the IME said: "This survey clearly indicates that, despite perceptions held by commercial buyers, UK consumers are willing to purchase imperfect-looking fruit and vegetables. This food, which is perfectly good to eat, is often rejected by buyers before it leaves the farm as it does not meet cosmetic requirements.
The survey has implications for global food wastage, as it suggests much wastage may be unnecessary.
Fox added: "There are various reasons why a staggering amount of food produce is not being consumed around the globe each year. In less developed countries many of the losses stem from issues like poorly engineered storage and transport infrastructure, but in developed countries like the UK food waste is largely the result of commercial practices, such as the demand for aesthetically pleasing food products, and wasteful behaviour in the home."
Source: theguardian.co.uk
