A TikTok video showcasing an Aldi packet of white potatoes with a sticker advising storage below 5C has ignited a debate on food preservation and waste reduction. The sticker, featuring a fridge icon, advises customers to keep potatoes chilled in the fridge to prevent sprouting and greening. This revelation has left many questioning the long-held belief that potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place.
The video, posted by @Bethking61, sparked a lively discussion in the comments section. Many users expressed their surprise, some admitting to storing their potatoes in the fridge for years with no issues, while others questioned why they had ever kept them in the cupboard.
The debate arises from updated official guidance from the Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP), which advocates refrigeration for potatoes. The Food Standards Agency also recommends storing potatoes either in the fridge or in a cool, dark place to help avoid food waste.
Lucia Washbrook, sales and marketing director at Branston, emphasizes that refrigeration is a good practice but not the only way to preserve potatoes. She suggests storing them in fabric or paper bags rather than plastic and keeping them in the dark. She also recommends cooking and freezing any potatoes nearing their end-of-life for future use.
This shift in storage advice aligns with efforts to reduce food waste. Figures from Out of Date reveal that an astounding 4.4 million potatoes are wasted every day, generating 326,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. By adopting optimal storage methods, including refrigeration, consumers can contribute to a more sustainable food system and minimize environmental impact.
