Editorial
The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (A/RES/74/209) is a global initiative that aims to raise awareness and inspire action to reduce food loss and waste, which is a significant challenge for sustainable development. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019 and is observed annually on September 29. The theme for 2023 is “Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Taking Action to Transform Food Systems”.
The day is essential because food loss and waste have significant negative impacts on food security, nutrition, climate change, natural resources and economic development. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 13 per cent of food produced globally is lost between harvest and retail, while 17 per cent of food is wasted at the consumption level. This means that about one-third of the food produced for human consumption is either lost or wasted every year. This also implies that the resources used to produce this food, such as water, land, energy and labour, are wasted as well. Moreover, the disposal of food loss and waste in landfills generates greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
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The day calls for public and private entities, as well as individuals, to take action to reduce food loss and waste in order to transform food systems and make them more sustainable, resilient and inclusive. Accordingly, there is a need to Adopt good practices and technologies to prevent, reduce and manage food loss and waste along the food supply chain.
Furthermore, improving food quality standards, labelling, packaging and storage methods to extend the shelf life and safety of food products is essential. Furthermore, there is a need to enhance coordination and collaboration among different actors in the food system, such as farmers, processors, retailers, consumers and policymakers. Then, raising awareness and educating consumers about the causes and consequences of food loss and waste and the benefits of reducing them.
Similarly, promoting a culture of valuing food and avoiding overproduction, oversupply, and overconsumption is significant. Also, donating surplus food to those in need or using it for other purposes, such as animal feed, compost, or biogas production, is crucial.
The day also provides an opportunity to showcase the achievements and initiatives that various stakeholders have taken to address the problem of food loss and waste. For example, the FAO has developed a Technical Platform for the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste that provides guidance, tools and best practices for measuring and reducing food loss and waste. The EUFIC has launched a quiz that helps consumers identify their food waste profile and learn new skills to manage their food better. EverCase has developed innovative cold chain storage and shipping solutions that can prevent food spoilage and extend its shelf life.
By reducing food loss and waste, we can contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ending hunger, ensuring healthy diets, combating climate change, protecting biodiversity and promoting economic growth. Therefore, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is a crucial step towards building a better future for ourselves and our planet.
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