Recently, the French Parliament unanimously enacted a law prohibiting supermarkets from discarding unsold food. Instead, these establishments are now required to donate edible food that would otherwise end up in the trash to charitable organizations. This approach is not only practical but also a moral imperative that should be adopted universally. However, consumers also have a significant role in combating food waste.
The practice of discarding perfectly edible food is deeply troubling, particularly when considering that one in six Americans struggles with hunger. The juxtaposition of food scarcity alongside massive food waste starkly illustrates a moral failing in our society. Alarmingly, a third of the global food supply is simply wasted, even though we produce enough to feed the entire world. Instead of nourishing people, we are filling landfills.
In the United States, a significant contributor to food waste is the confusion surrounding expiration dates. Terms like “sell by,” “best by,” and “use before” often lead to misinterpretations. As noted by food expert Sarah Mills, “Sell by” dates are primarily for retailers, not consumers, and don’t necessarily indicate that food is spoiled. The confusion surrounding these dates leads many to discard food that remains safe to eat. For instance, how often have you hesitated to serve yogurt to your child simply because it was a few days past its expiration date? Many of us have made that choice, even when the food in question appears and smells perfectly fine. According to the World Bank, North America wastes nearly half of its food production, with 42% of food loss occurring during consumption, often due to conscious decisions to throw food away.
Supermarkets are a significant player in this issue, with reports indicating that they often destroy unsold food in extreme ways, such as pouring bleach over it before disposal. This approach is not only wasteful but also scandalous. As former food minister Jacques Laurent stated, “It is appalling to see edible food treated this way.” In France, the new law mandates that unsellable but still consumable food must be donated, with penalties for noncompliance, including substantial fines or even imprisonment. Unsafe food is to be redirected to farms for animal feed or composting.
While supermarkets are responsible for about 10% of food waste, it is essential for individuals to also take action. This includes purchasing only what is necessary, consuming leftovers, and making informed decisions about food quality based on visual and olfactory cues rather than arbitrary dates. Composting can also help individuals understand the extent of their food waste, as well as the financial implications.
Fact: We produce sufficient food to provide every individual on Earth with 2,700 calories daily. Yet, 842 million people continue to go to bed hungry. This reality is unacceptable.
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Summary
The juxtaposition of food waste and hunger in the U.S. highlights a critical societal issue, with 15 million children facing hunger while we discard 40% of our food. Misinterpretations of expiration dates contribute significantly to this waste. Legislative measures, like those in France, can help mitigate the problem, but consumer responsibility is equally vital. By adopting mindful consumption practices, we can work together to reduce food waste and ensure that no one goes hungry.