“Food loss” refers to uneaten agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. It occurs at the stage of food production and distribution. It is also caused by a reduction in the quantity or quality of food.
“Food waste,” on the other hand, refers to edible food that is intended for human consumption but is instead thrown away or run off. This can happen in many different situations when preparing, selling, or serving food. It includes dish scraps, spoiled food, and discarded peels and skins.
Food loss and waste’ is a term used to define the sum of the two types of inefficiencies from unused food in the food system. This term helps researchers clearly explain the scope of their studies.
The term “waste food” refers to any food that is not used for its intended use
Over 30% of food is lost or wasted each year. This number is even more impressive given the large number of hungry people in the world. Wasted food is not only inefficient; it is also a social justice issue.
Global food waste is a cross-cutting issue that begins during agricultural production and continues all the way to the landfill. Global food waste also has a huge impact on the environment.
However, this does not mean that people are ignoring the problem; it means that large businesses, startups, and non-profit organizations are seeing the problem of food waste as an opportunity. Billions of dollars and calories are wasted on food every year, and the benefits of this value can be recouped.
Food waste includes lost or discarded food at all stages of the food system.
To properly implement food waste prevention tactics in an effort to reduce global food waste, alternative uses for food must be identified.
Food waste comes from a wide variety of sources:
- Unsold food from local markets or other retail outlets, such as food production;
- Prepared plate waste;
- Perfectly prepared food that has not been eaten;
- Side dishes such as leftovers from food preparation in restaurants, cafeterias, or homes;
America consumes about 40 percent of its food. Food is lost or wasted for a variety of
reasons, including bad weather, processing problems, overproduction, and unstable
markets. There are two main types of food waste: food waste and food waste.
Where is food wasted?
- Retail businesses;
- Restaurants and institutions;
- Farms and fishing boats;
- During processing and distribution;
FOOD WASTE also has serious implications for energy use. In landfills, food gradually breaks down and forms methane, a greenhouse gas that is up to 86 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Food waste is the leading cause of freshwater pollution. Given all the resources needed to produce food, it’s worth making sure the food we produce doesn’t go to waste..
The problem with food waste
With one-third of the food produced being wasted at various stages from production to
consumption, food waste management has become a global challenge. This chapter
presents the concept of a circular economy and its usefulness in food waste
management. The chapter concludes with a note on the future of food waste
management. E-waste management has become a global concern due to the rise in
the rate of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The disposal of EEE
waste directly into the environment leads to negative effects on the environment as
well as on human health. The food processing industry generates large amounts of
residues, which represent sustainable and rich sources of bio-active compounds.
Students from class 9-2
Elementary school “Kocho Racin” – Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia