FoodDonations–NewEUGuidelinePublished

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Jan 2, 2018 - Foods

FoodDonations–NewEUGuidelinePublished

In the EU, around 88 million tons of food are thrown away annually ‒ this equates to about 20% of all food produced. Last year, members of the European Federation of Food Banks distributed 535,000 tons of food to 6.1 million people. This enormous amount represents only a small portion of the food wasted in the EU.

To reduce the existing obstacles to food redistribution, the EU Commission published new EU guidelines for food donations on October 16, 2017. The scope of the EU guidelines encompasses the utilization and redistribution of food by food businesses. The Commission addresses liability issues in case of problems, hygiene regulations, as well as taxation rules and EU programs. This aims to help avoid food waste. A tabular overview clearly presents the legal regulations relevant to food donations. A "decision tree" provides answers on whether or under what conditions a retailer donating food to charitable organizations must comply with the food hygiene regulation (Regulation (EC) No 853/2004).

In a statement dated October 23, 2017, the Federation of German Food Industry (BVE) explained that the EU Commission has finally clarified responsibilities with the guidelines. The examples and concepts presented in the guidelines are seen as important impulses for the food industry to take action and move forward successfully on the topic of "food waste" together with the federal government.

As early as December 3, 2012, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) published a "Guide for the Distribution of Food to Social Institutions ‒ Legal Aspects" and made it clear that food that is still consumable should not be thrown away. It can be donated to social institutions such as the TAFELN or the initiatives of social associations. However, there is often uncertainty among donors and recipients regarding the legal framework. To remove any potential obstacles to the distribution of food, the guide has addressed the most frequently asked questions and provided reliable answers.

With the publication of the new EU guidelines, the responsibilities and duties of all actors in the food chain regarding the redistribution of surplus food are now regulated in accordance with EU food law. The goal is clear: to redistribute health-safe food that is fit for consumption by complying with food law regulations!

The continuation of the national guideline in coordination with the EU guideline should be a promising task for the new federal government to help people in need with valuable food.

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Source: bilacon Newsletter November 2017; haccp online, October 30, 2017