Mairead McGuinness Fine Gael MEP

MEP MCGUINNESS SAYS IT CAN AND MUST BE ADDRESSED

An incredible 179 kg of food per person is wasted along the food chain every year in Europe as millions starve across the globe, according to Mairead McGuinness, Ireland East Fine Gael MEP.

Highlighting the issue in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today ahead of Food Safety Day tomorrow (September 15th) the MEP said the this massive volume of food wasted, 89 million tonnes, could reach 126 million by the end of the decade, unless measures are taken to address the issue.

“This volume of food waste is unsustainable and is an inefficient use of resources.

“It arises at every stage of the food chain from harvesting to homes. It can and must be reduced with proper awareness and education.”

She said Food Safety Day aims to raise awareness about waste and means to combat it without affecting quality and safety.

“Awareness on food waste is currently very low and this must change to bring about long- term behavioural change.

“For consumers, being proactive about reducing food waste means planning shopping carefully, checking dates, using leftovers and checking portion size.”

The MEP concluded: “Quite apart from the moral dilemma where millions die for the lack of food every day, such food waste also represents a massive waste of money in these straitened financial times.“