Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, Naoise Ó Cearúil, is advocating for a ban on large supermarkets disposing of edible unsold food, requiring surplus food suitable for consumption to instead be donated for human use.
The proposal follows similar measures introduced in France in 2016, where large supermarkets are prohibited from destroying edible unsold food and are required to enter agreements with charities and food banks to redistribute surplus food.
Deputy Ó Cearúil said such a measure would help redirect food waste to families who need it most at a time of rising grocery costs.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland generates approximately 835,000 tonnes of food waste each year, with the retail and distribution sector accounting for around 84,000 tonnes.
Speaking on his proposal Deputy Ó Cearúil said:
“Letting consumable food go to waste is a sin, especially at a time when families are feeling the increase on the shelf.
“Families right across the country are struggling with the price of groceries while thousands of tonnes of edible food are still being discarded every year.
“While some of this surplus food is already redistributed through public private partnerships and social enterprises, estimates suggest this only accounts for around 1,608 tonnes of food each year.
“A ban would prevent edible food from being thrown away and create a requirement for large supermarkets to work with food charities and community organisations to ensure surplus food reaches those who are struggling most.”
Deputy Ó Cearúil added that the long-term aim should be for government to support supermarkets, distributors and community organisations to redirect surplus food to people who need it most.
He added:
“I believe the state has a greater role to play in supporting supermarkets and food charities to get food to those who need them the most. The first step is preventing this food from going to the skip.”
ENDS
