The European Commission wants to require the Twenty-seven to reduce food waste from shops, restaurants and households in the European Union (EU) by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020, according to a legislative proposal presented this Wednesday. According to Eurostat figures, the EU generated around 131 kg of food waste per capita in 2020, representing a total loss estimated at €132 billion. Around a tenth of the food in homes, restaurants and businesses ends up being thrown away.
The text, which will be debated by States and MEPs, aims to reduce the unnecessary use of water, fertilizers and energy to produce, process and preserve these foods that end up in the trash.
10% reduction of waste in the food industry
Each member state would be obliged to reduce “the volume of food waste generated in shops, restaurants and catering services and in households” by 30% compared to the total volume registered in 2020, figures calculated “per capita”. Likewise, each State must reduce waste in the agri-food industry (production and processing) by 10%, reinforcing the strategies of this sector to value by-products. On the other hand, no target is assigned to the agricultural sector, which is subject to hazards to crops and is likely to use its residues as fertilizer or to produce biogas.
To achieve these binding targets, States may use the waste prevention programs of their choice, adapted to their agri-food systems and types of cuisine. Brussels recalls having already adapted several regulations to simplify food donations or more easily redirect them to the production of animal feed products that can no longer be used for human consumption. In addition, work is underway to clarify the indications on expiration dates.
An annual saving of 400 euros for a family of 4
The proposal takes as reference the first EU-wide data collection exercise on food waste in 2020, following a harmonized methodology and using representative samples to measure household waste. This monitoring will continue to measure changes.
In 2020, more than half of the food waste generated in the EU was due to households (70 kg per capita) and 20% to the food industry (26 kg). They are followed by the agricultural sector (14 kg), restaurants and catering (12 kg) and shops and distributors (9 kg). If the planned reductions materialize, this would mean an annual saving of around 400 euros for a family of four, estimates the Commission.
Source: BFM TV
