Reduction, prevention of food waste and waste
Introduction
Hunger in the world is increasing;However, approximately one third of all foods produced worldwide, are lost or wasted. We all have a role to play in the reduction of loss and waste of food;Not only for food, but for the resources that are needed to produce them.
It is estimated that the causes of losses and food waste mainly come from consumer behavior and lack of management among the different actors in the supply chain. However, priority for vulnerable consumers (households with few income and in a situation of food insecurity) is access to food products. Likewise, food insecurity is more a matter of access (purchasing power and food price) than supply.
The law that promotes the reduction and prevention of food losses and waste, Law N.º 30988, aims to promote the design, implementation of public policies, specific strategies and actions that impact the efficiency of the food chain. Also, the implementation of actions to reduce, prevent food losses and waste.
To reduce hunger in the world it is necessary to reduce food waste. Peru having a great agricultural production still has levels of resource waste. In addition, a large sector of the population with poverty levels does not allow them to stock up the minimum nutrients. Reduce food waste must be a priority of all states and all people to amend part of the negative impact on the environment and allow these resources to be used and reduce the number of people hungry.
The objective is to determine the main causes for which people waste food. It is important to establish the place, schedule, type of food and the strategy to reduce waste. On the other hand, people do not recognize the negative environmental impact that is caused to waste food.
Developing
Food loss is the decrease in the available mass of food for human consumption, throughout the supply chain, but mainly in the phases of production, post -harvest, storage and transportation. Food waste is the decrease in the quantity or quality of food as a result of the decisions and actions of suppliers in the food chain, excluding retailers, food and consumer service providers.
Food is wasted in different ways:
- Fresh products that deviate from what is considered optimal, for example, in terms of shape, size and color, are often eliminated from the supply chain during classification operations.
- Retailers and consumers usually rule out foods that are close to the preferential consumption date.
- Large amounts of healthy edible foods are often not used or left over and discarded from domestic kitchens and food establishment.
More concrete actions must be carried out, with programs and projects underway, without neglecting the regulatory part to prevent, reduce loss and waste of food. It is a strategic aspect to improve food and nutritional security, with the commitments assumed by the country within the framework of the fight against hunger. A lower loss and waste of food would lead to a more adequate use of the earth and better management of water resources, which would have a positive effect on livelihoods and in the fight against climate change.
We must assume that we are all responsible for losses and waste. This includes all actors in productive chains, consumers as a great category and, of course, the government in what has to do with the planning and delivery of timely information to producers. We must address the problem in a differentiated way. This according to the link in the productive chain, where losses or waste concur.
If the waste is generated in the distribution or consumption stage, the ideal is to offer the perishable price at a lower price;and even what has non -aesthetic qualities. In addition, we must donate what you can or better plan purchases, as the case may be. The task of reducing losses and waste is everyone. We can all contribute to half the waste of food in retail and consumers, and reduce food losses in production chains where family agriculture participates. It is necessary to adopt the following strategic actions:
Promote and strengthen training activities and promotion of good practices in food management, at all stages of the food chain.
Promote the implementation of programs and projects around the reduction, prevention of loss and waste of food nationwide, regional and local.
Perform the analysis and evaluation of projects aimed at reducing and prevention of food loss and waste.
Promote the participation of the private sector and the general population in the measures aimed at achieving the object raised in this law.
Promote scientific, technological capacity and the formation of researchers specialized in reduction, prevention of food waste and waste.
conclusion
The reduction of losses and food waste involves different benefits: it relieves pressure on weather, water and earth;It has positive economic repercussions for farmers, companies and households. Indeed, more people could feed what is currently produced. Reducing losses and food waste is a challenge that requires national, regional and local action.
Sustainable development and agriculture, as well as food security are priorities in development policy;However, losses and food waste affect various fields, so it is necessary to give a coordinated political response to address it. Actually, the in -depth study on the problem of food waste throughout the entire supply and consumption chain is urgent.
Joint action is also necessary through investments in the field of research, science, technology, teaching, advice and innovation in agriculture in order to reduce food waste and educate consumers to adopt more responsible and conscious behaviors forPrevent food waste. It will not be possible to completely eradicate food waste;However, it is urgent to decrease said waste to its minimum expression.
Bibliography
- Law that promotes the reduction and prevention of food losses and waste, Law N.º 30988 (July 23, 2019). Official Gazette "El Peruano". Lima: Congress of the Republic.
- FAO. (2011) "United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization".
- FAO. (2011) "Loss and waste of food".
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment. (2013) "More food, less waste".
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