EU Food waste PLATFORM STAKEHOLDERs' meeting

*NEW*: Presentations available: and .

On 13 March 2023, the European Commission (DG SANTE) hosted a meeting for industry stakeholders and EU member states on food waste data in the EU and the upcoming legislative proposal on EU binding targets on food waste reduction. Key points below:

• In 2020, half of the food waste was generated by households
• According to 2022 Eurostat data, total EU food waste in 2020 accounted for 58,5 million of tons. Food services and restaurants contributed to 5,2 million of tons
• Amongst the possible policy options considered by the European Commission in the inception Impact Assessment on EU food waste reduction targets, it was decided that:
  • The scope of the targets will cover the whole supply chain from farm to consumer
  • Targets will be expressed as percentage of food waste reduction from the baseline and not as absolute amounts in kg
  • Same target level for all EU Member States (argument, not enough data to differentiate)
• Options considered for the target level are a reduction of food waste by 15%, 30% or 50% by 2030 for restaurants and food services.
• HOTREC concerns are:
  • The baseline year of reference being 2020 and the COVID year is problematic
  • Targets expressed as percentage of food waste reduction from the baseline and not expressed in absolute amounts (kg) per capita per year to be achieved by 2030
  • Current proposal includes retail, food services and restaurants in the same group as consumers.
  • Methodology includes edible and non-edible parts.
  • Target figures level: from 15% to 50% reduction (!)

For more see:

• - October 2021
• Former report on discussions with industry stakeholders - January 2023