Got some brown bananas on the counter, or soggy salad in the fridge?

If so, you’re not alone. Research shows on average, Australian households waste about 30% of the food we buy – or 2.5 million tonnes each year.

But in a cost of living crisis, where everything from fuel to groceries is getting more expensive, wasting food feels especially painful.

These economic pressures mean more Australians are using food relief services. Many are also buying fewer fresh foods and are taking more risks around food safety.

But with a bit of knowledge and creativity, you can salvage certain foods without risking your health.

It’s worth noting, you won’t be able to rescue every bit of food. That’s because they may have become unsafe to eat.

Here are four key signs to look out for.

strong or sour smells.

strong or sour smells.

If you have food that has one or more of these signs, it’s best to bin it. That way you can avoid food poisoning, which can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

But other characteristics, such as wrinkles, browning and dryness, are often just signs of age, not harmful spoilage.

Read more: Want to reduce your food waste at home? Here are the 6 best........

© The Conversation