Food loss & waste

Why it matters

Globally, around one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. Beyond the impacts on food security and the economic cost of US$940 billion annually, food loss and waste also account for 8–10% of GHGs. In 2022, 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted worldwide, equivalent to approximately 19% of all food available to consumers. In 2019, 13.8% of food was lost worldwide on farms after harvesting and during transport, storage and processing. The share of losses was higher in lower income countries. It is essential to address food loss and waste at all levels to improve food security and climate contributions.

1) Around one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted.

2) Food loss and waste impacts on food security, and the economic cost acount for US$936 billion annually.

3) Food loss and waste also account for 8–10% of GHGs.

4) In 2022, 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted worldwide, equivalent to approximately 19% of all food available to consumers.

5) In 2019, 13.8% of food was lost worldwide on farms after harvesting, as well as during transport, storage, and processing.

6) The share of food losses was higher in lower-income countries.