Facebook | Count On It food labels

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Fresh Produce Journal article - Labelling debate sparks TV cash

Here's another great article we've just had in 'Fresh Produce Journal's Fresh Info online magazine.

An innovative designer has found a simple solution to the date labelling debate, using cash from her victory on Deal or No Deal.

East Midlands designer Lyndsey Young is using the £15,500 prize fund from her TV show winnings to create a new Count On It labelling system.

Following the announcement of a new range of measures to improve the date labelling of food in a bid to cut Britain's mountain of food waste by DEFRA secretary of state Hilary Benn last week, Young hopes to solve the issue with the new system.

The scratch-off food freshness labels show at a glance if food is still fresh and safe to eat, or if it should be thrown away.

Only 'use-by' dates currently signify a potential food safety concern, but research has shown that 'best before' (intended to be a mark of quality) is often mistaken for a safety warning. Sell-by dates are used by retailers for stock control - but often end up confusing consumers.

Young said: “I would use things like pesto, where you take out a spoonful and put the rest in the fridge. Preparing food for [my children], you want to make sure the ingredients are fresh. But time and again I would forget when I had opened a jar and end up throwing it away. I didn't know how long it had been in the fridge and I didn't want to risk it.

"The labels help to reduce food waste - an important issue, with estimates that the average family throws away up to £610 worth of edible food each year."

Business Link, the government support service, has been providing Young with advice to help her turn her venture into a success.

Website revamped and relaunched

Count On It's website has now been fully revamp and relaunched ready for Count On It hitting the press and Lakeland's shelves in the new year. Thanks to Gary at Netronyx, the site is slicker and more user friendly and clearly shows the features and versatility of the product. The press campaign is well underway and with our new celebrity endorsement (more about this shortly), we are hopeful that Count On It will go from strength to strength. Feedback on site always welcome.

Count On It to help with the credit crunch!

Count On It is targetting the food and lifestyle press to highlight how these food freshness labels can help people can get the most out of their food, reduce their edible food waste and save them money.

With the percentage of families eating out once or twice a month dropping from 72% to 37% this year, more people are choosing to entertain at home. By buying good quality ingredients, families can enjoy restaurant quality food at a fraction of the cost - but only if they manage their food more effectively.

With up to £610 per year of edible food waste being thrown away by the average family - huge savings can be made if they learn to value their food more. Count On It can help families eat all of their food products, safe in the knowledge it is still fresh and safe to eat, it can be used on leftovers - why not cook a larger portion of food and save the rest for another day - just pop the leftovers in a food container, stick on a Count On It label and then refrigerate or freeze - an instant meal, whenever you need it.

Count On It food freshness labels, will go on sale at Lakeland stores across the country during December 2008 and will be available online and in the famous Lakeland catalogue in January 2009.

For more information about Count On It and how it can help save money, visit www.count-on-it.co.uk

Nurseries, Preschools and Nursing Homes

I have had some interest from Nurseries, Preschools and Nursing homes for Count On It food freshness labels for use in their commercial kitchens. I am in the process of putting together some promotional material for these sectors and would welcome any contacts that may benefit from our product.

Count On It® is an easy-to-use, versatile, scratch-off label which displays freshness at a glance, to help you manage your food inventory more easily and prevent unnecessary food waste. Count On It® can also help reduce food-related illnesses caused by eating food stored beyond it’s best.

Simply peel off a label, stick it onto the food’s packaging, scratch off the day’s date and relax. Count On It® to save you time, money and waste.

Count On It® labels can be used on all types of packaging including glass, cardboard, plastic and metal and come in a handy dispenser designed to sit in the fridge, ready to use. No need for a variety of labels and a pen - just peel, stick, scratch and track.

Count On It®

- removes confusion over opened products’ freshness
- helps manage your food safely
- assists with the rotation of products in the fridge and freezer - first in, first out
- reduces unnecessary waste
- helps maintain a clear system of organization - time reduced selecting products to use
- can be used on food storage tubs and bags
- is fridge and freeze-friendly

For all enquiries, contact me on lyndsey@count-on-it.co.uk

Thanks Lyndsey