Tehran – An annual international recognition date on September 29th is observed on the 29th of September. They call for reduced food loss and waste to reduce food loss and waste so that the current and future populations can access sufficient nutritious food.
In a world where one in 11 people get hungry while a lot of food is lost or wasted every day, it’s time to end this nasty paradox. It is important to reduce food loss and waste, especially as the world’s population continues to grow.
Globally, around 13.2% of the food produced is lost between harvest and retail, while an estimated 19% of total global food production is wasted in households, food services and retail.
Food loss and waste undermine the sustainability of our food system. When food is lost or wasted, all the resources used to produce this food, such as water, land, energy, labour, capital, etc., are wasted. Furthermore, food loss and waste disposal in landfills lead to greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change. Food loss and waste can also have a negative impact on food security and food availability, which can contribute to increased food costs.
Food systems are not resilient if they are not sustainable. Therefore, we need to focus on adopting an integrated approach designed to reduce food loss and waste. Actions are needed globally and locally to maximize the use of the foods we produce. Technology adoption, innovative solutions (including e-commerce platforms for marketing, retractable mobile food processing systems), new ways of working, excellent practices to manage food quality and reduce food loss and waste are key to implementing this transformative change.
In fact, food loss and waste reduction are set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) within SDG 12, which seeks to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Target 12.3 aims to “half global food waste at retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along the production and supply chain” by 2030.
With five years remaining to reach the target of 12.3, there is an urgent need to accelerate actions to reduce food loss and waste.
Therefore, this year’s theme, “Stop food loss and waste. For the sake of the planet, reduce food loss and waste, and dispose of food today and future, as we will persuade everyone, from producers to businesses, supply chains, consumers, governments, and researchers, and take urgent action to expand and strengthen our efforts personally and collectively.