Food Loss and Food Waste, Causes and Solutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 174-175
Author(s):  
Dennis A. Peters
Keyword(s):  
Food Waste ◽  
Food Loss

Addressing food loss and waste prevention

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Burcu Kör ◽  
Adriana Krawczyk ◽  
Ingrid Wakkee
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Household Consumption ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Waste Prevention ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Loss

PurposeFood waste is one of the most challenging issues humanity is currently facing. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in the prevention of food waste because of world hunger, environmental impacts, resource scarcity and economic costs. The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors that influence food waste and the role of technology in tackling food waste in India and the Netherlands.Design/methodology/approachIn order to explore differences in food loss and waste further this study will examine a number of practices on both the production and the consumer side, in a developing country and a developed country with different culture/economic backgrounds: India and the Netherlands. The factors that influence food waste were examined with a preliminary qualitative study, which consists of semi-structured interviews, and quantitative research that comprises a survey. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in both India and the Netherlands, which consists of five interviews. The survey data was collected from 78 individuals from India and 115 individuals from the Netherlands.FindingsOne of the main findings of the research is food waste is divided into waste within agricultural production (i.e. food loss) and final household consumption (i.e. food waste). Different factors influence food loss in different stages in the supply chain. Some of these factors include wastage during processing, storage, transportation and at the market-place. New technologies can utilize food loss for new purposes, so food loss is reduced to the minimum. Food waste is mainly influenced by food passing expiry date, food that is left too long in the fridge and consumers buying too much food. In final household consumption, technologies such as digital platforms enable individuals or organizations to share and donate their food, thereby creating awareness on food waste prevention and the environmental and ethical benefits.Originality/valueThe authors examine to what extent and in which ways supporting consumers to minimize food waste can be achieved via three stages: (1) understanding and evaluating food loss and waste, (2) identifying the factors that influence food loss and waste, (3) understanding consumer behaviors to encourage food waste reduction and (4) identifying the technological impact that would reduce food waste. As such, this paper contributes to ongoing debates about food waste by looking at the role of context and culture and by exploring differences between developed and developing countries. Also, the authors advance the debate by exploring both the role of advanced technology such as blockchain and drones in both preventing loss and waste as well as non-technological mechanisms.

scholarly journals The Role of the Food Banks in Saving Freshwater Resources through Reducing Food Waste: The Case of the Food Bank of Navarra, Spain

Foods ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Josemi G. Penalver ◽  
Maite M. Aldaya
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Water Footprint ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Food Bank ◽  
Food Loss ◽  
Total Food ◽  
Food Wastage

In the year 2011, the FAO estimated that food loss and waste reached one third of the total food produced worldwide. Since then, numerous studies have been published characterizing this problem and reflecting on its repercussions, not only social, but also environmental. Food wastage triggers unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation or loss of biodiversity. This study aims to quantify the water-related benefits associated with food loss and waste reduction by studying the Food Bank of Navarra (FBN). For this purpose, the water footprint assessment manual has been followed. First, the water footprint of the activities of the FBN has been analysed for the year 2018 (scenario with the FBN). A comparative analysis has been carried out between the scenario with the FBN and a theoretical scenario without the action of the FBN. This has allowed us to highlight the benefits associated with the activity of this entity. The FBN not only avoided the waste of 2.7 thousand tons of food suitable for consumption in 2018, but also avoided the unnecessary use of more than 3.2 million m3 of freshwater. As a result of the present investigation, it can be stated that promoting food banks, which avoid food waste, would be an effective way to contribute to the protection and conservation of water resources.

scholarly journals How to measure food loss and waste? A material flow analysis application

2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Amicarelli ◽  
Christian Bux ◽  
Giovanni Lagioia
Keyword(s):  
Food Waste ◽  
Material Flow ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Material Balance ◽  
Material Flow Analysis ◽  
Potato Industry ◽  
Poultry Feed ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Loss

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure food loss and waste by material flow analysis (MFA) tool. Applying this methodology, the authors estimate wastage-related losses and discuss opportunities for more circular and sustainable practices in the Italian potato industry.Design/methodology/approachMFA is applied to two specific typologies as follows: ready-to-eat (chips) and dried potato products produced in Italy. The analysis refers to the year 2017 as the complete dataset useful for this study includes measurements until this year. A bottom-up and top-down mixed approach is applied, and functional unit refers to 1 t of potatoes consumed as final product.FindingsMFA is applied to quantify and qualify material balance associated with 1 t of potatoes consumed as final product. In Italy, in 2017, more than 22,000 t of fresh tubers were lost, including 3,500–4,800 t of starch, equivalent to 52,800–72,600 GJs. Moreover, fewer than 23,000 t of skins and scraps were produced within industrial plants, not available for food but suitable for animal feed (dry skins are an excellent carbohydrates source in cattle and poultry feed), starch industry and bioenergy production (biogas and/or bioethanol).Originality/valueThis research is one of the few studies proposing MFA methodology as a tool to measure food waste. This analysis shows its utility in terms of food waste quality/quantity evaluation, supporting both company management and policymakers.

Food loss and waste: the new buzzwords. Exploring an evocative holistic 4Es model for firms and consumers

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariantonietta Fiore
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Control Point ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Time Behavior ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Loss ◽  
Critical Control Point

PurposeEtymologically, the word “loss” means to be deprived, temporarily or permanently, of use of faculty or an advantage. Therefore, when businesses and entrepreneurs suffer large amount of losses, they can be attributed to a non-effective and non-efficient way of handling assets. Consequently, high levels of bad management can be the cause for food losses (FL) across the agri-food supply chain, food waste (FW) depends on consumers' behavior in organizing food basket. Food loss and food waste (FWL) negatively affect environment and global economy. The purpose of this paper is to propose a holistic 4Es (Ethical_Equity_Ecological_Economic) approach aimed at better managing and treating FLW along the agri-food chain from upstream to downstream stages by addressing entrepreneurs and consumers' approach.Design/methodology/approachThe work focuses on the definition and designing of three possible tools: (1) the implementation of a FL_break-even point model; (2) the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures including a scheme for FL critical points and (3) a consumer's tax FW declaration model. Beginning with these tools, the work tries to define a holistic model by involving all the actors performing in a strictly inter- linked system.FindingsApproaching the FLW issue in a holistic way can ensure the involvement of engaged and productive people at work, lead to strategies and policies aimed at enriching consumers' awareness and entrepreneurs' management approach, and can address the handling of FLW toward Ethical, Equity, Ecological_and Economic (that means effective and efficient) paths.Social implicationsMonitoring and decreasing FLW by implementing the proposed tools from upstream to downstream of the food supply chain can certainly improve the reliability of firm production and investment decisions, and at the same time, behavior of people who feel to be part of an interrelated system. This can help to lighten FLW negative impacts on consumers' income and on pollution as well as indirectly on poverty.Originality/valueThis paper wants to make an innovative attempt to approach the FLW issue in a global and holistic way, while focusing on behavior and awareness of firms/entrepreneurs and consumers/citizens. In addition, the tools and approach defined pave the way for subsequent empirical works to follow.

scholarly journals Recommendation of Good Practice in the Food-Processing Industry for Preventing and Handling Food Loss and Waste

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9569
Author(s):  
Florian Rösler ◽  
Judith Kreyenschmidt ◽  
Guido Ritter
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Food Processing ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Direct Reduction ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Food Processing Industry ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
Processing Industry ◽  
Food Loss

Food-processing companies are controlled by societal influences and economic interests, but their efforts with regard to reducing food loss and waste are very different. This qualitative study aims to identify basic recommendations of good practice for the food-processing industry in order to prevent and handle food loss and waste. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature review was conducted in the field of food waste prevention and data was collected from thirteen German companies. The findings summarize the recommendations of good practice, which cover the entire supply chain from supplier to consumer and beyond. The analysis showed that the participating companies are already partially aware of operational measures, even if they are applied or mentioned without a systematic approach. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that most activities relate to internal matters, like processing, employees and utilization. However, the responsibility of food-processing companies does not end with internal processes to reduce food waste. The results show that some companies are already aware of their responsibility to be involved along the entire supply chain. Finally, the results show that the needs of consumers and suppliers must also be considered in order to reduce food waste, in addition to direct reduction measures. This paper highlights nine important stages and 53 basic recommendations for companies to address food loss and waste in order to improve their practices.

scholarly journals Generation Z Awareness on Food Waste Issues (a Study in Tangerang, Indonesia)

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 329
Author(s):  
Diena Mutiara Lemy ◽  
Audrey Rahardja ◽  
Cynthia Swastika Kilya
Keyword(s):  
United Nations ◽  
Data Processing ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Environmental Preservation ◽  
Food Loss ◽  
Generation Z ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
United Nations Food ◽  
Waste Food

With resources becoming scarcer, waste of food is something to be avoided. Food waste must be minimized by using various ways to avoid waste in terms of food loss and food waste. In Indonesia itself, without realizing it, the issue of leftover food becomes very big. According to the Head of Representative of the United Nations Food Agency (FAO), Mark Smulders, of the approximately 1.3 trillion tons of food that was lost or wasted, Indonesia contributed around 13 million tons of food waste (food loss and food waste). This study will explore Generation Z's level of awareness of leftover food in Indonesia, especially in the Tangerang and surrounding areas. This research is exploratory in nature. The method is used to research something (which attracts attention) that is not yet known, not understood, or not well recognized. The date is collected using questionnaire that were distributed to respondents, namely Generation Z in Tangerang and its surrounding areas. From the results of data processing and tests carried out in this study, it can be concluded that the current awareness of Generation Z on the issue of leftover food must be raised, because the issue of leftover food itself is one of the issues of environmental preservation. The level of awareness of the issue of leftover food from Generation Z as the next generation must be increased, because only less than half of respondents are aware of this issue of leftovers.

scholarly journals Report on seafood, food law, and food waste

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margherita Paola Poto
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Food Loss ◽  
Food Law ◽  
Task Team ◽  
Seafood Industry ◽  
Common Framework

The overall objective for the Sjømat og rettssystemet project is to develop a multidisciplinary task team with a core of interest in food law-related research, and with a focus on the seafood industry in Norway. This work is based on the work carried out during the workshop on “Sjømat og rettssystemet” (Seafood and Food Law), on December 6th 2019, at the Faculty of Law, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. It contains an analysis of the current challenges of the food systems with regard to the problem of food loss and waste. It aims to serve as a basis for the development of a collection of best practices and solutions to food loss and waste. The analysis provides the state-of-the-art on the international, European and national legislation on food waste, as well as a description of the solutions provided to the food waste emergency in the seafood field in Norway. Based on the analysis, we conclude that each component (the legal and practical perspectives) is relevant to build up a common framework on the problem of food loss and waste in Norway and beyond.

Food loss and food waste

2020 ◽  
pp. 152-157
Author(s):  
Marne Coit ◽  
Theodore A. Feitshans
Keyword(s):  
Food Waste ◽  
Food Loss

scholarly journals Identifying Factors Associated with Food Losses during Transportation: Potentials for Social Purposes

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Lipińska ◽  
Marzena Tomaszewska ◽  
Danuta Kołożyn-Krajewska
Keyword(s):  
Food Waste ◽  
Food Chain ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Load Capacity ◽  
Total Weight ◽  
Food Loss ◽  
Full Load ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Research Material ◽  
Food Losses

The problem of food waste and food loss covers the entire food chain, and its scale varies depending on the part of the chain. The aim of the study was to identify a problem and indicate places where goods redistribution is possible at the food transportation stage. The article provides a detailed breakdown of the causes of losses at the transportation stage. The research material was a large dairy cooperative in Poland. It was found that it was possible to recover 25.08 tons of dairy products. Taking into account the total weight of the cargo carried by all transport units during the analyzed period, this amount is approximately 0.5% of the full load capacity of all transport units in a two-year period. The research conducted shows that losses during the transportation of finished goods are generated, therefore it is possible to recover part of the food during the loading, transportation and unloading stages. The present practice involves an unconditional disposal of all products, which for various reasons are not delivered to the customer at the appropriate time and in proper commercial quality (accidents, collisions). The disposal of ready, often packed, completely safe products is a highly undesirable phenomenon, especially in the context of the poverty experienced by part of society.

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