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ARCHIVED - Spanish Government clamps down on food waste in restaurants and supermarkets
The aim is to reduce discarded food in Spain and establishments that flout the new law will be fined
Billions of kilos of unconsumed food are discarded by restaurants, supermarkets and households in Spain every year prompting the government to implement a new law that will fine establishments that continue to "waste food" up to 2,000 euros.
Under the new law for the Prevention of Food Losses and Food Waste, hotels and restaurants must offer customers the opportunity to take leftovers home at no additional cost and in 'doggy bags' made from recyclable packaging.
During a press conference following a meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, stressed that the "pioneering legal instrument" aims to "regulate and raise awareness" and prevent "inefficiency in the food chain" that has economic, environmental and social consequences.
Only France and Italy have a similar regulation in the EU to reduce 40% of food waste in stores and homes and a further 20% within the food chain itself to prevent a "possible food crisis in the future".
The legislation will tackle waste throughout the food chain, from harvesting through to consumption.
In addition, companies will have to stipulate the destination of food to avoid waste under the premise that the "top priority will always be human consumption through the donation or redistribution of food".
In order to donate surplus food, agreements must be signed with companies, social initiative entities and other non-profit organisations or food banks. These agreements must set out the conditions for collection, transport and storage of the products, amongst other things.
When foodstuffs are no longer fit for human consumption, the preferred use will be, in this order; animal feed and the manufacture of animal feed; use as by-products in other industries; or to obtain compost or biofuels.
"All sectors of the industry will have to have a prevention plan that includes a self-diagnosis from which to adopt measures to minimise losses, which in 2020 reached 1.3 billion kilos of food in households, an average of 31 kilos per person," added the Minister of Agriculture.
The draft bill has been submitted to a public hearing and four participatory forums have been held for consumers and NGOs, distribution and the HORECA channel, industry and the primary sector.
Image: European Commission
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