Denmark throws away 814,000 tonnes of food per year
From now on, it is possible for the first time to see a detailed overview of which industries generate the most food waste, according to a press release from the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. In total, Denmark throws away 814,00 tonnes of food per year but never before have been made a comprehensive survey of food waste in the entire value chain.
The report from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency divides food waste into five categories; primary production, food industry, retail and wholesale, restaurants, and households. However, the inventory for households has not been updated, it is expected to be examined in 2022.
"Food waste makes no sense. And not at all a waste of food in an industry where you make a living from producing and selling food. But we also know that insight into quantities and numbers has a positive effect. It shows international experience. So I hope that not only the food industries, but the whole of Denmark, will follow the figures with interest," says Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Rasmus Prehn.
The food industry accounts for the largest part, 385,000 tons of food waste annually. In that category, dairies generate the largest share, 218,000 tonnes. And the category "other food industry" for 156,000 tons annually. This includes, for example, food sorting due to size, shape and form.
"We have a special position in Denmark because there is generally openness about food waste and a great willingness on the part of the business community to make a difference and share experiences. We do not see that openness in many other countries, and therefore I hope that we can use the concrete figures to mark ourselves even stronger," says Rasmus Prehn.
"It is good that we now have a clear picture of the challenge we have with food waste in Denmark. It is an important prerequisite for targeted action when we as a government have a clear ambition for less food waste in all parts of the value chain. Less food waste is good for both the climate and the environment and in the coming time we in the EU will work for concrete reduction targets for food waste," completed Minister of the Environment Lea Wermelin.
In 2020, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries launched the annual Food Waste Day on 29 September, just as the think tank One \ Third has a voluntary agreement "Denmark against Food Waste", where the food industry can get free help measuring and reducing food waste. In addition, Denmark has just been given the task of preparing an international ISO standard for measuring food waste.
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