Challenges in the quantification of household food waste: the need for consistent methodologies

Shahla M. Wunderlich, Charles H. Feldman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this short communication is to shed light on the accuracy of quantification methods of household food waste (HFW). Design/methodology/approach: Thirty-seven recently published studies in HFW were surveyed for this commentary. Exemplary methods and findings of these studies were compared. Findings: It is challenging to draw conclusions on the amount of the HFW per person/town/country due to the inconsistent and heterogeneous methodologies used. We recommend using direct measurements or triangulation of methods to help ensure valid findings. Governments should incentivize consumers to deliver their food waste to designated locations where weights could accurately be assessed. Monetary or tax incentives could help stimulate an accurate accounting of waste and encourage reductions. Food waste measurements should be consistently reported as kg/person/week. Social implications: Food and water security must be provided for all. It is estimated that one-third of edible food for humans is currently lost or wasted globally. According to the World Food Program (WFP), this is about 1.3 billion tons of food per year and at the same time this wasted food could be sufficient to feed two billion people. Originality/value: The aim of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature about the magnitude and significance of HFW and its impact on the environment and social welfare. Currently, there are no generally accepted uniform methods of food waste quantification at the household level. This original communication brings the importance and challenges of the quantification of HFW to light.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2539-2547
Number of pages9
JournalBritish Food Journal
Volume126
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 9 May 2024

Keywords

  • Environment
  • Food security
  • Waste rates

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