Reports reveal that the food industry is gradually moving to AI to tackle the problem of food wastage. Watch in for more details!

AI tackles food waste by analysing trash in restaurants

More than 1 billion meals are wasted across the world each day while nearly 800 million people go hungry, United Nations report finds the world wasted 1.05 billion metric tons of food in 2022, meaning about a fifth of the food available to people was squandered by households, restaurants and other parts of the food service and retail sectors.

Humans waste over one billion meals a day: UN

Saudi Arabia wastes 50 per cent of an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted across the world, according to a report by Gulf News citing Chef Laila Fathalla, a United Nations Environment Programme advocate for reducing food waste.&nbsp;

<h2>Saudi Arabia’s food wastage</h2>

According to the United Nations Food Waste Programme, the kingdom tops the list of countries which contribute the most to food waste every year, accounting for up to 50 per cent of the waste.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Saudi Arabia accounts for nearly half of world's annual food wastage

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Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al Fadhli confirmed the UN’s findings while acknowledging the cost of food wastage.&nbsp;

According to the report, wasting food costs the kingdom SR40 billion ($10.6 billion) every year. The rate of food wastage exceeds 33 per cent, said the Saudi minister, referring to the data from the study conducted by the National Programme to Reduce Food Loss and Waste.

The country’s General Food Security Authority (GFSA) following the report’s release in October last year initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign to highlight the importance of food security and encourage responsible consumption practices, reported Gulf News.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/international-day-of-awareness-on-food-loss-and-waste-reduction-heres-how-food-waste-affects-the-environment-640920">&nbsp;Explained | Int’l day of awareness of food loss &amp; waste reduction: Here's how food waste affects environment</a>

A study by the Saudi Grains Organisation (Sago) last year found that 4.06 million tonnes of food is wasted each year, with an average individual contribution of about 184 kg&nbsp;of food waste.

The nationwide study also found that vegetable waste alone exceeds 335,000 tonnes annually.&nbsp;

The nation of around 32.2 million people also wastes hundreds of thousands of tonnes of staple foods, including 917,000 tonnes of flour and bread and 557,000 tonnes of rice.&nbsp;

Fathalla has called for a collective effort to foster a culture of moderation and reduce waste in the country to combat the food waste crisis.&nbsp;

She also suggested a number of pragmatic measures including cooking food in quantities that meet a family’s needs, being mindful when buying food, and donating extra food.&nbsp;

<h2>What is food 'wastage'?</h2>

Food “wastage” refers to any food lost by deterioration or waste and encompasses both food “loss” and food “waste,” according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-refugee-lawmaker-resigns-over-shoplifting-allegations-680498">New Zealand's 'refugee' lawmaker resigns over shoplifting allegations</a>

Every year, a staggering 1.6 billion tonnes of food is wasted across the world out of which, 1.3 billion tonnes is edible, according to the FAO.&nbsp;

This amount of food wastage also reportedly costs the world at least $750 billion annually.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia wastes 50 per cent of an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted across the world, according to a report by Gulf News citing Chef Laila Fathalla, a United Nations Environment Programme advocate for reducing food waste.

Saudi Arabia wastes 50 per cent of an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted across the world, according to a report by Gulf News citing Chef Laila Fathalla, a United Nations Environment Programme advocate for reducing food waste. Saudi Arabia’s food wastage According to the United Nations Food Waste Programme, the kingdom tops the list of countries which contribute the most to food waste every year, accounting for up to 50 per cent of the waste. WATCH | Saudi Arabia accounts for nearly half of world's annual food wastage Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al Fadhli confirmed the UN’s findings while acknowledging the cost of food wastage. According to the report, wasting food costs the kingdom SR40 billion ($10.6 billion) every year. The rate of food wastage exceeds 33 per cent, said the Saudi minister, referring to the data from the study conducted by the National Programme to Reduce Food Loss and Waste. The country’s General Food Security Authority (GFSA) following the report’s release in October last year initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign to highlight the importance of food security and encourage responsible consumption practices, reported Gulf News. ALSO READ | Explained | Int’l day of awareness of food loss & waste reduction: Here's how food waste affects environment A study by the Saudi Grains Organisation (Sago) last year found that 4.06 million tonnes of food is wasted each year, with an average individual contribution of about 184 kg of food waste. The nationwide study also found that vegetable waste alone exceeds 335,000 tonnes annually. The nation of around 32.2 million people also wastes hundreds of thousands of tonnes of staple foods, including 917,000 tonnes of flour and bread and 557,000 tonnes of rice. Fathalla has called for a collective effort to foster a culture of moderation and reduce waste in the country to combat the food waste crisis. She also suggested a number of pragmatic measures including cooking food in quantities that meet a family’s needs, being mindful when buying food, and donating extra food. What is food 'wastage'? Food “wastage” refers to any food lost by deterioration or waste and encompasses both food “loss” and food “waste,” according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). ALSO READ | New Zealand's 'refugee' lawmaker resigns over shoplifting allegations Every year, a staggering 1.6 billion tonnes of food is wasted across the world out of which, 1.3 billion tonnes is edible, according to the FAO. This amount of food wastage also reportedly costs the world at least $750 billion annually. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia accounts for half of annual global food waste: Report

According to the UN study, 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted annually worldwide and Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this crisis, contributing up to 50% of the total waste. WION tells you more in this report.

Saudi Arabia accounts for nearly half of world's annual food wastage

New research has led to a breakthrough extension of the shelf life of pasta. Scientists have achieved this through a special ingredient and a new form of packaging.

You may be wondering why is this even news. The answer is simple. Even though this may seem like insignificant research it can have noteworthy implications on the significantly problematic issue we call "food wastage".

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | Global food wastage poses major environmental problem

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How is that?

The research has successfully prolonged the shelf life of pasta by 30 days. Earlier its shelf life if stored properly was between 30 to 90 days and now thanks to the addition of "good" bacteria it has been extended to 120 days.&nbsp;

As per the research paper published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, this breakthrough can have "potential benefits on the economy and on the environment, spurring innovation in existing production models."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-wastes-much-more-food-than-it-imports-even-amid-cost-of-living-crisis-report-518078">EU wastes much more food than it imports, even amid cost of living crisis: Report</a>

How does the new technology work?

It uses a film that is less permeable to oxygen and with an atmosphere of 40 per cent carbon dioxide to 60 per cent nitrogen as opposed to the conventional packing that uses 20 per cent carbon dioxide to 80 nitrogen.&nbsp;

Additionally, a multi-strain probiotic mixture or bioprotective cultures (BCs) was added to the dough used to make the pasta.

The product when refrigerated at 4ºC outlasted pasta packaged conventionally, which over the 90 days storage period showed growth of visible mould, reports Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-a-fifth-of-all-food-reaching-consumers-wasted-un-368034">Nearly a fifth of all food reaching consumers wasted: UN</a>

Researchers report that the data obtained hints that the bioprotective cultures (BCs) can also be used in other types of cereal-based products and that this may even have possible implications that viable microorganisms in the food can have potentially positive effects on the gut microbiota of consumers, however, this would have to be explored.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New research has led to a breakthrough extension of the shelf life of pasta. Scientists have achieved this through a special ingredient and a new form of packaging.

New research has led to a breakthrough extension of the shelf life of pasta. Scientists have achieved this through a special ingredient and a new form of packaging. You may be wondering why is this even news. The answer is simple. Even though this may seem like insignificant research it can have noteworthy implications on the significantly problematic issue we call "food wastage". Watch | WION Climate Tracker | Global food wastage poses major environmental problem How is that? The research has successfully prolonged the shelf life of pasta by 30 days. Earlier its shelf life if stored properly was between 30 to 90 days and now thanks to the addition of "good" bacteria it has been extended to 120 days. As per the research paper published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, this breakthrough can have "potential benefits on the economy and on the environment, spurring innovation in existing production models." Also read | EU wastes much more food than it imports, even amid cost of living crisis: Report How does the new technology work? It uses a film that is less permeable to oxygen and with an atmosphere of 40 per cent carbon dioxide to 60 per cent nitrogen as opposed to the conventional packing that uses 20 per cent carbon dioxide to 80 nitrogen. Additionally, a multi-strain probiotic mixture or bioprotective cultures (BCs) was added to the dough used to make the pasta. The product when refrigerated at 4ºC outlasted pasta packaged conventionally, which over the 90 days storage period showed growth of visible mould, reports Guardian. Also read | Nearly a fifth of all food reaching consumers wasted: UN Researchers report that the data obtained hints that the bioprotective cultures (BCs) can also be used in other types of cereal-based products and that this may even have possible implications that viable microorganisms in the food can have potentially positive effects on the gut microbiota of consumers, however, this would have to be explored. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists successfully extend shelf life of pasta. Here's why it's an important breakthrough

Indian farmers have traditionally used the Sun to dry vegetables and fruits. The painfully long process has led to tonnes of wastage every year. Mariam Wardak tells you how a solar-powered dehydrator could speed things up.

South Asia Diary: Solar dehydrator cuts food wastage in India

US government now estimates between 30 to 40% of the country's food supply ends up as waste. Watch report.

US restaurants try to cut down losses: 30 to 40% food supply ends in loses

At popular Peking roast duck restaurant chain Quanjude in Beijing, staff have been passing on a new message to diners: do not order more than you can eat. The eatery is among the latest businesses joining a nation-wide campaign against food wastage, which started last week after Chinese President Xi Jinping denounced the behaviour as "shameful" while the country battles a pandemic.

Beijing diners and restaurants support government push to curb food wastage

Amid coronavirus lockdown in South Africa, thousands of people queued for food parcels amid lockdown in Centurion on Wednesday.

Drone footage showed thousands standing in the queue that stretched for 4 kilometres.&nbsp;

South Africa has spent five weeks under coronavirus restrictions requiring most of the population to stay at home apart from essential trips, leaving many businesses and individuals struggling without income in the recession-hit economy.

The strict lockdown has left many South African kitchens empty and has forced people to defy social distancing rules and the situation has come down to if coronavirus does not kill, then hunger definitely will.

Today, food scarcity is as much a reality as food wastage. The pandemic has forced countries to close their borders and as a result of the isolation, in one part of the world, people are hungry while in another food is being wasted.

In the United States, coronavirus lockdown has left markets ravaged forcing millions of farmers to destroy their own produce.

There are no trucks to ferry farm produce to the cities and due to the demand collapse, farmers aren't left with much choice but to destroy their perishable stock.

Across the Atlantic, Belgian farmers are sitting on a massive pile of potatoes.&nbsp;

Belgium is the world's largest exporter of fries but today, the country has no takers for its frozen products; 125 million euros of income is at stake.

And to avoid food wastage citizens in Belgium are being asked to eat more fries.

"We know that Belgian like their fries, it's intangible heritage, our frying culture. So we ask the Belgians to consume an extra portion of fries now, to allow us to process more potatoes and to avoid food waste," said Romain Cools, Secretary-General of potato industry group Belpom recently. 
&nbsp;

Amid coronavirus lockdown in South Africa, thousands of people queued for food parcels amid lockdown in Centurion on Wednesday. Drone footage showed thousands standing in the queue that stretched for 4 kilometres.

Amid coronavirus lockdown in South Africa, thousands of people queued for food parcels amid lockdown in Centurion on Wednesday. Drone footage showed thousands standing in the queue that stretched for 4 kilometres. South Africa has spent five weeks under coronavirus restrictions requiring most of the population to stay at home apart from essential trips, leaving many businesses and individuals struggling without income in the recession-hit economy. The strict lockdown has left many South African kitchens empty and has forced people to defy social distancing rules and the situation has come down to if coronavirus does not kill, then hunger definitely will. Today, food scarcity is as much a reality as food wastage. The pandemic has forced countries to close their borders and as a result of the isolation, in one part of the world, people are hungry while in another food is being wasted. In the United States, coronavirus lockdown has left markets ravaged forcing millions of farmers to destroy their own produce. There are no trucks to ferry farm produce to the cities and due to the demand collapse, farmers aren't left with much choice but to destroy their perishable stock. Across the Atlantic, Belgian farmers are sitting on a massive pile of potatoes. Belgium is the world's largest exporter of fries but today, the country has no takers for its frozen products; 125 million euros of income is at stake. And to avoid food wastage citizens in Belgium are being asked to eat more fries. "We know that Belgian like their fries, it's intangible heritage, our frying culture. So we ask the Belgians to consume an extra portion of fries now, to allow us to process more potatoes and to avoid food waste," said Romain Cools, Secretary-General of potato industry group Belpom recently.

People stand in 4 km-long queue for food in South Africa amid coronavirus pandemic

Singapore is using insects to tackle its problem of food wastage

Wasting food is &#39;normal&#39; in UK and most people overlook the bigger savings that could accrue by simply throwing away less food, The Guardian reported today quoting a survey. 
 
Most households instead save money by energy-saving methods such as turning off the lights or the heating, Sainsbury&rsquo;s survey of food waste habits reveals.&nbsp;Sainsbury&#39;s is the second largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom 
 
The poll of more than 5,000 UK adults carried out by the supermarket reveals that only 3 per cent of UK householders think there is a stigma attached to wasting food.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Wasting food has become so normal, there is now no stigma attached to throwing food away. The report shows that people are cost-conscious and making concerted efforts to turn off lights and minimise energy use. However, people are still overlooking the much bigger savings that could be delivered by simply throwing away less food,&rdquo; Sainsbury&rsquo;s chief executive, Mike Coupe, was quoted as saying. 
 
&nbsp;The survey further underlines 74 per cent of householders actively turn lights off when they leave a room and 55 per cent turn down the heating. Nearly one-third (32 per cent) have changed energy suppliers to keep household bills down, saving an average of &pound;200 a year. Collectively, these changes would save &pound;305 a year, less than half of the &pound;700 a typical family wastes on food that goes uneaten and is thrown away. 
 
The supermarket chain is planning to spend &pound;10m over the next five years in schemes that cut food waste through new technology across the UK. The initiative, which will be carried out jointly with the government&rsquo;s food advisory body, Wrap, will be measurable so that it can be used as a blueprint for the future, the Guardian reports.&nbsp; 
 
Ideas include testing smarter kitchen appliances such as fridges to allow people can check on their phone what they have at home and food-sharing apps such as Olio. 
 
On Wednesday, Sainsbury&rsquo;s will launch its first waste less, save more advertising campaign, aimed at helping householders save and store food more efficiently. 
 
(WION) 
 
 
&nbsp;

Only 3 per cent of UK householders think there is a stigma attached to wasting food , a survey by supermarket chain Sainsbury's underlines

Wasting food is 'normal' in UK and most people overlook the bigger savings that could accrue by simply throwing away less food, The Guardian reported today quoting a survey. Most households instead save money by energy-saving methods such as turning off the lights or the heating, Sainsbury’s survey of food waste habits reveals. Sainsbury's is the second largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom The poll of more than 5,000 UK adults carried out by the supermarket reveals that only 3 per cent of UK householders think there is a stigma attached to wasting food. “Wasting food has become so normal, there is now no stigma attached to throwing food away. The report shows that people are cost-conscious and making concerted efforts to turn off lights and minimise energy use. However, people are still overlooking the much bigger savings that could be delivered by simply throwing away less food,” Sainsbury’s chief executive, Mike Coupe, was quoted as saying. The survey further underlines 74 per cent of householders actively turn lights off when they leave a room and 55 per cent turn down the heating. Nearly one-third (32 per cent) have changed energy suppliers to keep household bills down, saving an average of £200 a year. Collectively, these changes would save £305 a year, less than half of the £700 a typical family wastes on food that goes uneaten and is thrown away. The supermarket chain is planning to spend £10m over the next five years in schemes that cut food waste through new technology across the UK. The initiative, which will be carried out jointly with the government’s food advisory body, Wrap, will be measurable so that it can be used as a blueprint for the future, the Guardian reports. Ideas include testing smarter kitchen appliances such as fridges to allow people can check on their phone what they have at home and food-sharing apps such as Olio. On Wednesday, Sainsbury’s will launch its first waste less, save more advertising campaign, aimed at helping householders save and store food more efficiently. (WION)

Wasting food in UK 'normal', survey reveals

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