Update on the Prevention of Food Loss and Food Waste Bill

The main objectives of the law are: to promote the circular bioeconomy, to structure a more efficient management of resources and to raise awareness and inform both food chain actors and consumers. It also aims to establish structural amendments in the food production, processing and supply chain to ensure strict compliance with the objectives.
 

The law consists of 19 articles structured in six chapters:
 

• Chapter I is dedicated to the general provisions, where the object and scope of application of the law is established.
   
• Chapter II regulates the obligations of the actors in the food supply chain.
   
• Chapter III establishes recommendations for Public Administrations, companies selling to the final consumer and the catering sector, based on a set of good practice measures.
   
• Chapter IV focuses on the rationalisation of best-before dates to help prevent and reduce food losses.
   
• Chapter V sets out a series of tools to reduce these problems, including a strategic plan detailing waste policy, guidelines for regional programmes and minimum targets to be met.
   
• Finally, Chapter VI of this law sets out the sanctioning regime. It classifies infringements and details the basic penalties in this area, so as to ensure a wide margin for the autonomous regions to decide what their system of infringements and penalties should be.
   

This regulation represents a significant step forward in the fight against food waste. It establishes obligations and recommendations for all actors in the food chain and poses a challenge for businesses, which will have to adapt to the new requirements. It is essential to closely monitor its evolution and the impact it will have on the market, both in terms of sustainability and business competitiveness.

Link to the complete economic note