Food waste profile in Brazilian Food and Nutrition Units and the implemented corrective actions

Abstract

Food waste directly affect food security. It was estimated that the amount of food wasted in the world may be enough to feed roughly two billion people. In Brazil, food waste reaches up to 39,000 tons per day, putting it among the 10 countries that waste the most food in the world. Since Food and Nutrition units (FNUs) are responsible to produce meals for the community, they also generate a large part of this food waste. Several factors can contribute to a high rate of waste, such as insufficient planning, a lack of awareness among consumers, and little menu variety. The objective of this study was to carry out a survey of the profile of food waste involving intake leftovers (Leftover food that was returned on consumer trays or plates) and clean leftovers (Leftovers foods that were produced but not distributed, and that remained in the vats) in regions of Brazil that occurred in FNUs of different types and structures. We also analyzed the main causes of food waste, and the main actions taken to solve this problem. This study advocates for a national awareness campaign against food waste and reducing the cost of FNUs.

Inadequacy of Meals Served and Food Waste in a Portuguese University Canteen

“…Food waste was measured by physical weighing and comprised leftovers and plate waste. As described previously [16], leftovers were defined as the food that was produced but not served, and plate waste was defined as the food that was served to the consumer but not consumed [33,34].…”