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Monday, March 18, 2024

European Union environmental leaders aim to cut food waste in half by 2030

The European Union's ministers of environmental protection (MEPs) recently held a meeting to discuss ways to cut the 88 tons of food waste in half by 2030.

MEPs asked to lift restrictions on food donations while also discussing ways to educate consumers on the difference between "best before" and "use by" labels commonly found on food products, according to a European Parliament press release.

“In developed countries food is wasted mostly at the end of the chain, at distribution and consumption. Everyone has a responsibility to tackle this problem," lead MEP Biljana Borzan said in the press release. “My report calls for a coordinated policy response on labeling, liability and education, as most consumers do not understand the precise meaning of 'best before' and 'use by' labeling.”

Members also discussed changing tax plans to authorize tax exemptions on food donations.

The press release also noted that food waste amounts to 381.4 pounds of food waste per person per year in the European Union. The highest waste is in the Netherlands, with 1,192.7 pounds per person per year. The lowest is in Slovenia, with only 158.73 pounds per person annually, according to the release.