The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has recently conducted a study on the EU’s efforts to combat food waste and found that the continent wastes about 88 million tons of food per year.

The ECA report also highlighted that the EU’s target of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030 is unlikely to be achieved unless significant changes in policy and practice are implemented.

The Concern

The findings of this report have raised concerns among various stakeholders, including the food industry and policymakers. One such concerned person is the Deputy Minister for Rural Development and Food in Greece, Mr. Vassilakopoulos.

While reacting to the ECA report’s findings, Mr. Vassilakopoulos raised concerns about the detrimental impact of food waste on the environment, economy, and society.

He underscored that food waste is an urgent challenge that needs a coordinated response at all levels to help decrease its impact in the EU and beyond.

The Environmental Impact of Food Waste

When food is disposed of in landfills, it produces methane gas, which is a global warming gas. Methane is around 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Therefore food waste contributes to increasing greenhouse gases, which is a leading cause of climate change and ultimately, it threatens our planet’s health.

The Economic Impact of Food Waste

The impact of food waste on the global economy is immense. According to a study by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, food waste costs the global economy about $940 billion per year.

Additionally, the retail and hospitality industries lose revenue due to food wastes, inefficient stock management systems, etc. These costs are passed on to consumers, making food more expensive.

The Societal Impact of Food Waste

Food waste has a significant burden on society, as it fuels food insecurity and hunger in various parts of the world. In Europe, millions of people rely on food banks to receive proper nutrition and meals.

According to the World Food Program, more than 690 million people go hungry every day, while 2 billion people are food insecure worldwide. Food waste is not only a moral and ethical issue but also a matter of social justice.

The Way Forward

Mr. Vassilakopoulos suggests that the EU member states and private sector must adapt measures to reduce food waste in all the supply chain stages, from production to consumption.

One of the ways to reduce food waste is by encouraging the use of new technologies and innovative practices that prevent food waste before it occurs. Mr. Vassilakopoulos also proposes the development of policies that stimulate the food industry to donate surplus food, ensuring that food banks are well-equipped to support people in need.

Additionally, educating consumers on the importance of reducing waste is another key solution.

Conclusion

Food waste is a multifaceted problem that requires a collective effort from various stakeholders to reduce its impact.

There is the need for policymakers, the private sector, and consumers to understand the urgency of the issue and implement measures that address the issue. Mr. Vassilakopoulos’s concern over the ECA report’s findings highlights the need to prioritize the sustainable use of food as it is a critical issue that affects economic, social, and environmental equilibrium.

Moving forward, it will require continued commitment and collaboration among stakeholders to tackle food waste for a sustainable and better future.