Food banks and pantries accept wholesome food that meets quality and safety standards, as do many national and local food recovery programs.

WHITEHOUSE: Presidential Proclamation -- America Recycles Day, 2012

But Biosensors could also be used for testing water quality and food safety (the toxins produced by food-spoiling bacteria would show up easily).

ECONOMIST: Medical diagnostics

Mr Smith said food safety and quality was "of the highest importance to Tesco" and "the presence of illegal meat in our products is extremely serious".

BBC: 'Horsemeat beefburgers' investigated in UK and Ireland

In a statement, the airline said it was co-operating with the FBI and the authorities in the Netherlands and was working with Gate Gourmet "to ensure the safety and quality of the food" served on board.

BBC: Needles found in Delta Air Lines on-board sandwiches

Guidance from the UK's Food Standards Agency says "best-before" dates are supposed to tell the consumer more about "quality than safety" - indicating when a product may begin to lose its flavour and texture, but not that the product becomes dangerous to eat.

BBC: Should you smell food before throwing it away?