started · updated
Global food loss and waste crisis impacts environment and economy
September 29 marks the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, a United Nations initiative to address the global crisis where approximately 19 percent of food available to consumers is lost or wasted annually. This inefficiency contributes to roughly 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and represents a massive economic loss, estimated at over $1 trillion per year.
In the European Union, Eurostat reported that in 2024, 58 billion kilograms of food were wasted, with households accounting for 54 percent of the total. In Argentina, nutrition experts note that individuals discard an average of 38 kilograms of edible food per year, often including high-value items like fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Meanwhile, in Brazil, the country ranks among the top ten food-wasting nations, losing about 30 percent of its annual production.
Global food systems face a dual challenge: food loss during production and distribution, and food waste at the retail and consumer levels. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 13 percent of food is lost post-harvest before reaching markets. Addressing these issues is critical for improving food security, reducing environmental pressure, and fostering economic productivity.
Entities
European Union · Eurostat · Food Bank Montenegro · Food and Agriculture Organization · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina · Institute of Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina · Marina Medojević · United Nations · United Nations Environment Programme
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Approximately 19 percent of food available to consumers globally is wasted or lost annually in households, hospitality, and retail. tip.ba · www.vijesti.ba · www.atpe.td · energetskiportal.ba · businesselitesafrica.com · +1 more
- [● 17 SOURCES] The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 29 as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. biznis.me · tip.ba · www.vijesti.ba · energetskiportal.ba · www.notre-planete.info · +12 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Of food waste, 60 percent occurs in households, 28 percent in the food service sector, and 12 percent in retail. tip.ba · www.vijesti.ba · energetskiportal.ba
- [● 2 SOURCES] The amount of food lost or wasted annually could feed approximately 1.26 billion people. tip.ba · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] It is estimated that one in 13 people globally faces hunger, totaling between 608 and 696 million people. tip.ba · www.vijesti.ba · energetskiportal.ba
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Montenegro lacks reliable data on total food waste, though estimates suggest approximately 50,000 tons are wasted annually. biznis.me
- [● 3 SOURCES] Food loss and waste are associated with about 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. energetskiportal.ba · businesselitesafrica.com · rvg.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Brazil wastes about 30 percent of all food it produces annually, equivalent to 46 million tons. classnews.com.br · revistaforum.com.br
- [● 7 SOURCES] Approximately 13 percent of all food produced is lost after harvest before reaching retail shelves. energetskiportal.ba · tip.ba · www.vijesti.ba · rosariolaciudad.com.ar · cdnoticias.com · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] In Argentina, each person discards an average of 38 kilograms of edible food per year. rosariolaciudad.com.ar · cdnoticias.com · enlineanoticias.com.ar
- [● 2 SOURCES] In 2024, the EU generated 58 billion kilograms of food waste, with households responsible for 54 percent. hortoinfo.es · www.retema.es