Italy marks ten years of the Gadda Law against food waste

Italy marks the tenth anniversary of Law 166/2016, commonly known as the ‘Gadda Law’, which was designed to combat food waste by facilitating the recovery and redistribution of surplus goods.

Since its implementation on September 14, 2016, the legislation has transformed food waste management into a structured practice involving businesses, cooperatives, the third sector, schools, and volunteers. Maria Chiara Gadda, the deputy who promoted the law, noted that the initiative has diverted thousands of tons of food, medicines, and other usable consumer goods to those in need.

Legacoop Agroalimentare highlighted that the law has successfully integrated environmental sustainability with social responsibility. The framework has created a solidarity network that serves as a model within Europe, turning an environmental issue into a significant economic and social tool for addressing economic fragility.