Assessing food waste generation in the EU: a comparison of the food system material flow analysis model with Member State-reported data

The European Union generates an estimated 58 million tonnes of food waste annually, with significant environmental, social, and economic implications. To address this issue, the EU has established a monitoring framework and introduced binding food waste reduction targets. This article presents the latest version of the Food System Material Flow Analysis (FS MFA) model, a detailed tool for estimating food waste generation in EU Member States, and compares FS MFA model estimates with Member State-reported data, revealing a good degree of similarity, despite differences in methodology and data sources. However, discrepancies highlight the need for model refinement and improved data collection and harmonization. The article recommends that Member States enhance data robustness through primary data collection, industry collaboration, and novel technologies like blockchain and mobile crowdsensing. An improved understanding of food waste generation and the development of effective measurement and reporting tools can support the reduction of food waste in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, thus enabling the transition to a sustainable food system.