(RES) UK FOOD WASTE ON THE RISE

Self-reported levels of food waste are on the rise, according to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)’s Food Management Survey, which found the amount increased from 20.2 per cent in 2023 to 21 per cent in June 2024.

Results from a total of 4,740 interviews suggested that fresh produce, such as potatoes, broccoli, carrots, bananas, apples, and onions, is more likely to be wasted than other foods, with Senior Campaign Manager of Love Food Hate Waste, Jackie Baily, labelling it “the real kitchen victim when it comes to food waste.”

The survey found potatoes topped the list with an average waste level of 22.6 per cent, followed by bread at 21.3 per cent and broccoli at 21 per cent. Other commonly wasted items included carrots (19.9 per cent), bananas (20.1 per cent), and apples (19.3 per cent).

One key reason for the high levels of fresh produce waste is the over-packaging of these items. According to the report, only 19 per cent of fresh produce in the UK is sold loose by larger retailers.

"Because most fruit and veg is sold packaged, we have to buy what we're given not what we need, and that means a lot goes to waste," explained Baily. "As a result, our bins have a diet that most nutritionists would envy. And we're a long way from breaking our food waste habit because of this packaging."

Better access to loose produce, the introduction of smaller pack sizes at comparable prices, and curbing in-store promotions that encourage over-purchasing for perishables are some of the recommendations for retailers offered by WRAP.

The non-governmental organisation is also calling for a consultation for a potential ban on packaging for 21 products in the fresh produce aisles, estimating that 60,000 tonnes of food waste could be prevented if all apples, potatoes, and bananas were sold loose.

A recent study from environmental charity, Hubbub, supports these recommendations, with 86 per cent of respondents favouring increased availability of loose fruit and vegetables. More of this article (resource.co) - link - more like this (food waste) - link -more like this (Hubbub) - link