Chalmers Conferences, LCM 2013

FOOD WASTE PREVENTION: THE CHALLENGE OF MAKING APPROPRIATE DEFINITIONAL AND METHODOLOGICAL CHOICES FOR QUANTIFYING FOOD WASTE LEVELS
Karin Östergren, Gina Anderson, Sophie Easteal, Jenny Gustavsson, Ole Jørgen Hansen, Graham Moates, Hanne Møller, Alessandro Politano, Tom Quested, Barbara Redlingshöfer, Felicitas Schneider, Kirsi Silvennoinen, Åsa Stenmarck, Han Soethoudt, Keith W. Waldron

Last modified: 2014-09-11

Abstract


To establish reliable food waste statistics, which can be produced
continuously over time, it is necessary to produce data within a robust
methodological framework based on consistent definitions of food waste,
and its components, and consistent system boundaries of the food supply
chain. In this work, carried out within the FP7-project FUSIONS, a
literature review has been carried out to understand what definitions of food
waste; system boundaries of the food supply chain and methodological
approaches are commonly used in studies quantifying food waste. Based on
the critique a systematic concept on how to address food waste has been
suggested.

Keywords


Food waste; Resource efficiency; waste prevention

References


EU (2002). Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.

EU (2008). Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives.

FAO (2011). Global Food Losses and Food Waste - extent, causes and prevention. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Gustavsson, J., Östergren, K., Soethoudt, H., Quested, T., Easteal, S., Politano, A., Bellettato C., Massimo Canali, M., Falasconi, L., Gaiani, S., Vittuari M., Anderson, G., O’Connor, C., Hansen, O.J., Møller, H., Schneider, F., Moates, G., & Redlingshöfer, B. (2013). D1.1 Main definitional choices for the food and drink waste produced within Europe., FUSIONS European Commission FP7 Grant agreement no. 311972.

Stuart, T. (2009). Waste - uncovering the global food scandal. London, Penguin books.


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