# Global food loss and waste challenges

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-food-loss-and-waste-challenges
> Updated: 2026-09-29T06:49:54.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 2.

Global and regional data highlight the scale of food loss and waste across various stages of the supply chain. In Latin America, specifically Argentina, it is estimated that up to one-third of food produced is lost or wasted. The Red de Bancos de Alimentos estimates 16 million tons of annual loss, representing 12.5% of total agri-food production. On an individual level in Argentina, nutrition specialists note that the average person discards roughly 38 kilograms of edible food per year, frequently including prepared meals, leftovers, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and bakery products.

On a global scale, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that approximately 1.05 billion tons of food—roughly 19 percent of food available to consumers—is wasted or lost annually. This waste is distributed across households (60 percent), the food service sector (28 percent), and retail (12 percent). The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes that this wasted food could potentially feed approximately 1.26 billion people. Recent reports suggest that globally, approximately 1.3 billion tons of edible food are discarded annually. The FAO also estimates that 13 percent of food is lost post-harvest before reaching markets.

Environmental and economic impacts are significant, as food waste is linked to roughly 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and represents an economic loss estimated at over $1 trillion per year. Regional challenges persist: Brazil wastes nearly 30 percent of produced food annually, Montenegro estimates 50,000 tons of annual waste, and Croatia reports over 221,000 tons. 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.

## Claims

- The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 29 as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Approximately 13 percent of all food produced is lost after harvest before reaching retail shelves. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Approximately 19 percent of food available to consumers globally is wasted or lost annually in households, hospitality, and retail. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Of food waste, 60 percent occurs in households, 28 percent in the food service sector, and 12 percent in retail. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- It is estimated that one in 13 people globally faces hunger, totaling between 608 and 696 million people. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Food loss and waste are associated with about 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In Argentina, each person discards an average of 38 kilograms of edible food per year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The amount of food lost or wasted annually could feed approximately 1.26 billion people. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Brazil wastes about 30 percent of all food it produces annually, equivalent to 46 million tons. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In 2024, the EU generated 58 billion kilograms of food waste, with households responsible for 54 percent. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Montenegro lacks reliable data on total food waste, though estimates suggest approximately 50,000 tons are wasted annually. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Global food loss and waste crisis impacts environment and economy

On the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, global data reveals that 19% of food is wasted, contributing to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions and significant economic losses.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-food-waste-reaches-105-billion-tons-annually

### 2026-09-27: Food waste impacts supply chains and households in Latin America

Food loss and waste impact a third of production in Argentina, with 16 million tons discarded annually, causing significant environmental and economic consequences across the supply chain.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/food-waste-in-argentina-poses-environmental-and-economic-challenges

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Cite as: Global food loss and waste challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-food-loss-and-waste-challenges