Q. How should you store any leftover rice?

A. Cool as quickly as possible, ideally within one hour, and store in the fridge for no more than one day before reheating – ensure it is piping hot throughout.

Never keep rice chilled for longer than one day or frozen for longer than one month. Never re-heat rice more than once.

Q. Where is the best place to store potatoes and onions?

A. In a cool dark place, in a cloth bag.

Q. Is it true most fruit will stay fresher kept in the fridge?

A. Yes, and keeping fruit and vegetables in the bag or pack they came in, will keep them even fresher, apart from bananas. Most vegetables will also stay fresher for longer kept in the fridge.

Q. What difference can individuals and families make?

A. If all individuals and families in Surrey implement some of the Love Food Surrey buying, cooking and food saving tips, we will see a huge reduction in how much food goes to landfill, and you will also see the savings in your household budget. Recent research indicates that Surrey residents produce about 83,000 tonnes of food waste every year with treatment and disposal costs in the region of £7.6 million.

Q. How do I safely reheat cooked and leftover foods?

A. Always reheat leftovers thoroughly in a microwave, oven or on the stove top. Reheat sauces and soups to a boil and reheat leftovers, such as meat and mixed dishes, to steaming hot. When reheating food in the microwave, cover and stir once or twice during cooking.

Q. Can I freeze food after the ‘use by’ date?

A. You can freeze food up to its ‘use by’ date and then keep it frozen beyond the ‘use by’ date. Make sure you follow any instructions on packets, such as ’freeze on day of purchase’, ’cook from frozen’ or ’defrost thoroughly before use and use within 24 hours’.