FOOD LOSS AND FOOD WASTE – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

The world is now very much concerned about food loss and waste due to sustainability issues. First of, food waste is not the same as food loss.

FOOD LOSS

Food loss happens when food is discarded before it gets to the point of consumption. This usually happens along the food chain from the farm up to the grocery shelves. Food loss happens all through the value chain during planting, harvestings, transportation, processing, storage, among other operations.

Suggested reading: Food sustainability: how can you make a difference?

FOOD WASTE

Food waste, on the other hand, usually happens at the consumption. It occurs, when food originally meant for consumption, is discarded. It may be due to spoilage, expiry, leftovers, or simply removing inedible parts of the food inefficiently.

Food waste cannot be avoided entirely but it can be controlled. In fact, of food loss and food waste, the later is one that can be easily controlled.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO CONTROL FOOD WASTE

You can take simple steps every day, as a consumer to minimize food waste. You can start by doing the following

• take sizeable portions of food at a time. That way, you can always go for more if you need to, instead of taking large portions and not being able to eat them.
• store leftovers in appropriate storage containers and temperatures to prevent their spoilage.
• keep an eye on your food when cooking to prevent burning.
• handle fresh produce you obtain from the grocery store with care. Store them appropriately as soon as you get home or receive them.
• the fruits and vegetables that grow into funny shapes are very well to eat. Do not refuse to accept them or throw them away on the basis of their shape only!

Suggested reading: 7 simple ways to handle and store fresh produce for longer

SO WHAT NOW?

Food loss and food waste threaten the lives of many people. As current generations, it is necessary for us to consume and produce responsibly in order to minimize unnecessary waste of useful resources.