Studies

1. “Food Waste – An analysis of the retail sector” – a research case carried out by Hokuma Karimova and Piotr Wielezynski (creators of this website) analyzing the state of food waste in the retail sector. Since the retail sectors in all developed countries are quite similar, this is a useful tool to understand the overall waste disposal process of the retail sector. The study reveals the main reasons for food waste and proposes a practical approach for minimizing it in the future.

2. “Global food losses and food waste” – one of the most famous studies done on food waste by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It is based on research carried out from August 2010 to January 2011 by The Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology (SIK). It showed that there is a data gap that makes the comprehension of global food loss and waste unattainable. There is an urgency for that information, but this study is a good start for data.

3. “From farm to fork” – The European Union has also done some research. In this study, you will be able to find many significant data and statistics about the waste along the food chain. We suggest you visit the EU food publications page to look for more information. The study we gave the link for is a continuation of a research carried out in 2004. To get more recent data please check out this short publication.

4. “Wasted – How America is Losing Up to 40% of Food from Farm to Fork to Landfills” -This study carried out by the NRDC   analyzes the latest case studies and government data on the causes and extent of food loss at each level of the U.S. food chain. It also provides examples and recommendations on reducing this waste.

5. “Preparatory Study on Food Waste across EU 27” –  A study carried out by the European Union. It is the deepest research available online about the food waste problem among the European countries and has statistics for each member country. The study follows a logical structure, which makes it easy to read and understand. It also provides data on bio-waste in general, for those who are interested in learning more.

6. “An investigation into food waste management” – In UK households, approximately 8.3 million tonnes of food and drink waste are thrown away each year (WRAP, 2009). In France, 9.713 million tonnes of organic waste was found in the household waste stream (ADEME, 2007). Of this, about  5.3 million tonnes of food waste can be avoided through better management.

7. “The Hands that feed us” – This particular study is not about food waste but it is strongly related. If you are looking into discovering what and who stands behind the whole food system it is a very good source of information. It shows you the reality and explains who are the people that are providing us with food. The research has been carried out by the Food Chain Workers Alliance.

8. “The Climate Change and Economic Impacts of Food Waste in the United States” Using loss-adjusted national food availability data for 134 food commodities, it calculates the greenhouse gas emissions due to wasted food by using life cycle assessment and then calculates the economic cost of the waste by using retail prices. The analysis shows that avoidable food waste in the US exceeds 55 million metric tonnes per year, which is nearly 29% of the annual production.

10. “Map the Meal Gap” – it is a great tool created by Feeding America to see state by state and even county by county statistics about the food insecure part of the population. To get even more information about this study you can read an Executive Summary, which clarifies the methodology and gives some more statistics.

11. “Eating in 2030: trends and perspectives” – it is a study that has been carried out for the 4th International Forum on Food and Nutrition. It gives you trends, a dietary scenario and tells you what are the biggest challenges as far as the food systems are concerned. Moreover, it includes a couple of great infographics and statistics.

12. “Global Food – Waste Not, Want Not” – A study carried out by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. It gives you an analysis of the current food system and a vision of how to feed a growing population. Moreover, it tells you what resources are used in the food production. It ends with some practical solutions and recommendations. A very nice read!!

13. “The Dating Game: How Confusing Food Date Labels Lead to Food Waste in America” – A study prepared by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Harvard Law School’s Food Law and Policy Clinic to analyze current pitfalls with our product labeling system, and suggests future solutions. Currently, Americans trash $161.6 billion worth of product because they aren’t well informed about the “sell by” and “best by” date difference.

14. “Food losses and waste in the context of sustainable food systems” – Is a report by The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition, a science-policy interface of the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) that was established in 2010. They improve policy by providing independent, evidence-based analysis of various topics, including food waste.

15. “Added Sugar. Subtracted Science.” – A new report by Union of Concerned Scientists that looks at how the food industry packs tons of refined sugar in many of our daily staples but keeps their negative health effects a secret. An important read for parents or those experiencing health problems, including obesity. For more, be sure to check out the movie, Fed UP.