The Government will approve a new bill today (Tuesday) in the Council of Ministers, for the Prevention of Losses and Food Waste, the step prior to it being fully passed by parliament. With this measure, they want to put a stop to food waste, especially in, bars, restaurants, and supermarkets, which from now on will have to draw up a prevention plan so as not to waste food. Those who fail to comply with the legislation will face economic sanctions of up to 60,000 euros.
The Law for the Prevention of Losses and Food Waste is based on prioritising the use of food before it reaches the landfill. The first priority for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food is that leftover food intended for human consumption, is either donated to charities, food banks, or soup kitchens, and if this is not possible, it must be transformed into juices or jams, and ultimately, it will be used for animal feed for livestock or feed production.
Likewise, companies in the food sector will be forced to lower the price of products if their expiry date is close while catering establishments must inform customers that they can take any leftovers home.
1.3 billion kilos of food were wasted in Spain in 2020, a figure slightly higher than the previous year, and half of that, 650 million kilos of food, were wasted between spring and summer of that year, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
WHAT FOODS ARE MOST WASTED IN SPAIN?
Fruits, vegetables, fresh bread, liquid milk, and dairy products account for the largest volume of food waste. It should be noted that waste increased from 2019 to 2020 only in pasta (17.3% more), cubes and seasonings (17.27%), nuts (1.03%), and chocolate (0.23%). The greatest reductions were in teas and coffees (-37.98%), honey (-31.91%) and oil (-30.47%), which is mostly due to the periods of confinement whilst people were at home and cafes and bars were closed.
