An inventor has been given a prize after coming up with an innovative invention that could eventually be used on all printed labels for food.

Pete Higgins, who owns UWI Technology, entered the Barclays 2011 Take One Small Step business competition with his smart labels, which let people know when the contents of jars are no longer safe to eat, the Edinburgh Evening News reports.

His was judged the best entry and Mr Higgins has now walked away with a £50,000 prize, as well as the chance to develop and produce his invention.

"I am thrilled to have won this competition. My idea was simple but the opportunities for its use are far-reaching," he commented.

Back in April, environment secretary Caroline Spelman said the coalition is looking into scrapping best before dates for food to reduce waste in the UK.

Currently, these indicate when a food is likely to start losing its optimum flavour, but are not as strict as use by dates.

Denny Bros Ltd, 02 August 2011