Food Waste and Public Health: A Global Perspective

By: Maggie Anderson, Intern

Photo from Unsplash

Food waste and public health are interconnected global issues that manifest differently across countries and cultures.

Developed vs. Developing Countries

The patterns of food waste vary significantly between developed and developing nations. In developed nations, food waste primarily occurs at the retail and consumer levels. The key factors that contribute to this amount of waste include: oversupply, strict cosmetic standards for produce, and consumer behaviors such as over-purchasing. In order to address these issues, solutions that have a focus on consumer education, improving inventory management and implementing policy changes that encourage more sustainable practices are needed.

On the other hand, developing countries have a different experience as food loss is predominantly in the pre-consumption phase, peaking at the post-harvest handling and storage. The lack of proper functioning storage facilities, inadequate transportation infrastructure, and limited access to cold chain technology, such as freezers and refrigerators, exacerbate food waste in these regions. Therefore, in order to address this issue in developing countries improvements to infrastructure, storage methods and food processing capabilities are necessary in reducing waste.

Globally, about one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. Developed countries account for approximately 222 million tons of food waste. To put it in a different perspective, that is almost equal to the entire net food production of sub-Saharan Africa, which is around 230 million tons. Addressing food waste requires tailored approaches for developed and developing regions, but it is essential for enhancing food security, promoting economic development, and ensuring environmental sustainability worldwide. Collaborative efforts across the supply chain and between countries are necessary to make meaningful progress on this complex issue.

Regional Disparities

The impact of food waste on public health varies across regions:

In Europe, food waste is a considerable issue, with the European Union (EU) generating over 58 million tonnes of food waste annually. This waste has a market value of approximately 132 billion euros (approximately 144 billion United States Dollars).This waste contributes 16% of the total greenhouse gas emissions from the EU food system, impacting the environment through land and soil degradation, water pollution, and resource depletion. Additionally, food waste in healthcare settings can lead to malnutrition-related complications, affecting patient recovery. The EU aims to halve per capita food waste by 2030 as part of its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3,.

Similarly, in North America, food waste is a major contributor to environmental pollution, emitting harmful gases such as CO2, CH4, and N2O, which pose direct and indirect health risks. These emissions can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems, ranging from mild lung irritation to severe conditions like cancer. The region’s high levels of food waste exacerbate public health issues by contributing to air pollution and climate change, which in turn affect human health.

In contrast, South America faces significant environmental issues related to food waste that indirectly affect public health. The region experiences substantial food loss and waste, with about 15% of available food being wasted. This leads to inefficient resource use, exacerbating environmental degradation and affecting food security, which can have serious health implications.

Moving to Asia, the impact of food waste on public health is closely tied to emissions from decomposing waste, including CO2, CH4, and N2O, which can cause respiratory and other health problems. The region’s rapid industrialization and urbanization have increased food waste, heightening these health risks. Efforts to mitigate these impacts include the adoption of technologies to capture emissions and convert waste into biofuels.

In Africa, unique challenges arise from food waste, primarily due to inadequate infrastructure and food distribution systems. The health impacts are often indirect, stemming from food insecurity and malnutrition, as significant portions of food are lost before reaching consumers. This exacerbates food scarcity and can lead to malnutrition-related health issues, further complicating public health efforts.

Finally, in Latin America, food waste contributes to both environmental and social challenges. The region experiences considerable waste, leading to inefficient resource use and environmental degradation, which affects public health by exacerbating water pollution and reducing food security. The social implications include increased food insecurity, as wasted food could otherwise be used to feed undernourished populations.

In conclusion, food waste presents significant public health and environmental challenges across these regions. Addressing food waste is crucial not only for improving food security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also for enhancing overall public health outcomes globally.

Public Health Implications

Food waste has far-reaching consequences for public health globally:

Food Security and Nutrition

Food Insecurity: Food waste coexists with food insecurity, where millions lack access to nutritious food. In the U.S., for example, food waste is prevalent despite millions experiencing food insecurity, particularly among low-income families.
Nutritional Impact: The wastage of food, especially fruits and vegetables, results in missed opportunities to provide diverse and nutritious diets. This is critical as undernourished populations are more susceptible to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Food Redistribution: Programs like FoodRecovery.org have demonstrated that redistributing surplus produce to low-income families can improve dietary habits and reduce food waste.

Environmental and Health Consequences

Environmental Impact: Food waste contributes significantly to environmental issues, including greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing food in landfills. This exacerbates climate change, which in turn affects public health through increased extreme weather events and food supply disruptions.
Immediate Health Risks: Incorrect disposal of food waste can lead to health hazards by creating breeding grounds for bacteria and attracting vermin, which can spread diseases.

Economic and Resource Implications

Economic Loss: Food waste represents a substantial economic loss, with billions of dollars worth of food wasted annually. Reducing food waste can lead to financial savings for households and businesses.
Resource Conservation: Wasting food also means wasting the resources used in its production, such as water and energy, which has broader implications for environmental sustainability.

Solutions and Initiatives

Global efforts to address food waste and its impact on public health include:

International Collaboration: Pacific Coast Food Waste Commitment– This initiative brings together stakeholders from different sectors to share best practices and strategies to reduce food waste along the West Coast of North America. It aims to halve food waste by 2030 through public and private sector collaboration.

Policy Measures: U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions- This program encourages businesses and organizations to commit to reducing food waste by 50% by 2030. It involves setting measurable goals and sharing progress to inspire broader action

Consumer Education: Awareness Campaigns- Initiatives aim to educate consumers about the environmental and health impacts of food waste. These campaigns encourage individuals to adopt better food management practices, such as proper storage and meal planning, to minimize waste

Food Redistribution: Improving systems for redistributing surplus food to those in need addresses both food waste and food insecurity. This includes partnerships with food banks and charities to ensure excess food reaches vulnerable populations rather than ending up in landfills.

In conclusion, addressing food waste is crucial for improving public health outcomes globally. While challenges vary across regions, common themes emerge, such as the need for better data, improved technology, and increased awareness. By learning from diverse cultural approaches and implementing targeted solutions, countries can work towards reducing food waste and its associated public health impacts.

Sources

Global food waste: developed vs. developing countries

Even Poor Countries End Up Wasting Tons Of Food

Tackling food waste: The EU’s contribution to a global issue

The Global Benefits of Reducing Food Loss and Waste, and How to Do It

Cutting food waste to feed the world: Over a billion tonnes squandered each year

Reducing Food Loss and Waste

Food loss and waste prevention

Food Waste

Food waste in European healthcare settings

EU Proposes Food Waste Reduction Targets As Part of ‘Unambitious’ Soil Health Initiative

The effects of gases from food waste on human health: A systematic review