Throwing Food Prohibited In France

Food waste has been a very controversial topic for many years. While people are starving in some regions of the world, more than 1.3 million tonnes of food are thrown away each year. For many decades, non-governmental organizations tried to enforce the introduction of a law limiting this unpleasant practice.

Last year, 35-year-old Arash Derambarash proposed legislation to oblige supermarkets to donate unsold food to charity. The French Senate accepted this proposal, which could bring huge benefits to the whole of society.

France is the first to ban food waste

Supermarkets with an area of ​​more than 400 square meters are required to sign contracts with charities.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in a penalty of up to EUR 75,000 or 2 years imprisonment. This decision caused joy among representatives of non-governmental organizations, who will be able to distribute better quality food to the most needy.

The head of the French network of food banks expressed his hope that the new law will allow more fresh vegetables, fruit and meat to be donated. These products are  especially important – they are in greatest demand.

The new regulations also allow for the imposition of heavy fines on retail chains that deliberately destroy food products in order to avoid “stealing” and taking them out of the garbage by the needy.

It is worth emphasizing that the number of people who obtain food in this way is constantly growing. A major technique to prevent such people from using food that is still fit is, for example, by sprinkling the products with bleach just before disposing of them.

Some supermarkets even have special warehouses where they store food before throwing it away. This is to protect these people from possible poisoning.

New challenges for volunteers

Despite the success, charities and volunteers working for them are already getting ready for new challenges. Above all, they will need more hands to segregate and distribute the food they receive.

Trucks, warehouses and refrigerators will also be needed to ensure that food in good condition reaches those in need.

The aim is also to persuade all European Union countries to introduce similar provisions regulating the transfer of food products to non-governmental organizations. Perhaps it will also be possible to create appropriate provisions in EU law.

11% of food wasted in France is the result of being thrown away by supermarkets, 67% is the fault of consumers and 15% – restaurants. Therefore, actions also require a more extensive information campaign and educating the society.

Bailet said increasing the supply of supermarket food by 15% means up to 10 million more meals each year for those in need.

His long-term dream is a world where food is not thrown away and always goes to those who need it most.