Food waste at French supermarkets is now illegal

7.1 million tons wasted per year

Estimates state that France wastes about 7.1 million tons of food per year, with consumers responsible for 67 %, restaurants for 15 % and retailers for another 11 %.

French supermarkets can no longer throw away food and will also not be allowed to make the food unfit for human consumption. All unsold items now have to be donated to charities and food that is no longer fit for human consumption will be turned into animal food. If that is not possible either, it will be turned into compost or used for the creation of energy.

The proposal also brings the theme of food waste into schools, where children will be taught about the problem. France hopes it can become the most proactive European country when it comes to fighting food waste.