Environment MEPs recently put forward a number of possible measures to cut the EU 88 million tonnes per year food waste in half by 2030. MEPs called on the European Commission to lift existing restrictions on food donations and stressed a solution is needed for the confusion created for many consumers by the “best before” and “use by” labelling.

“In developed countries food is wasted mostly at the end of the chain, at distribution and consumption. Everyone has a responsibility to tackle this problem”, said Hungarian MEP Biljana Borzan “My report calls for a coordinated policy response on labelling, liability and education, as most consumers do not understand the precise meaning of “best before” and “use by” labelling”, she said.

MEPs call on EU countries to achieve food waste cuts by 30 percent by 2025 and 50 percent by 2030, reiterating the objective Parliament set out in its waste legislation voted in March.

National authorities and stakeholders need to educate consumers in the understanding of “use by” and “best before” dates and the usability of foodstuffs after the “best before” date, MEPs stated. The Commission will have to assess the possible benefits of removing certain dates for products without any risk to public health or the environment.

At AIPIA we feel the whole debate should be broadened to encompass new technologies.

The report was adopted by the European Parliament in May.