French Law Bans Supermarkets From Throwing Away Food Approaching 'Best-Before Date'
France was recently lauded by several food banks as well as charities because of its implementation of food law that bans supermarkets from throwing away food items that are nearing their "best before date." According to The Guardian, supermarkets are now required to donate food that they are about to throw away to several food banks and charities that accept such items.
Food banks, on the other hand, will have to work on finding several storage locations as a precautionary move to the expected influx of food supplies from local supermarkets.
Charities and food banks who will receive the said food donations will also have to follow regulations for proper food handling. Such condition includes the proper handling of donated food, including hygiene practices when receiving and distributing them.
Failure to comply with the law corresponds to certain penalties such as fines and possible jail time. Head of Banques Alimentaires Jacques Bailet believes that the new law will reinforce their purpose and consider it as a positive act towards their goals.
"Most importantly, because supermarkets will be obliged to sign a donation deal with charities, we'll be able to increase the quality and diversity of food we get and distribute. In terms of nutritional balance, we currently have a deficit of meat and a lack of fruit and vegetables. This will hopefully allow us to push for those products," he said.
The law will also expedite the donation of food industries directly to food banks for any excess in production. Bailet believes that by receiving products straight from food factories, charities are more likely to have quality food.
In a separate report by The Guardian, supermarkets will not be allowed to purposely spoil their food so homeless could not benefit from it. If they have at least 400 square metres (4,305 square feet) of establishment, supermarkets are required to sign a donation contract.
With the French media highlighting several people benefiting from leftovers in supermarket bins, the danger of foraging foods by the homeless, unemployed, students and poor families is very clear. Former food minister Guillaume Garot said, "It's scandalous to see bleach being poured into supermarket dustbins along with edible foods."
The law has also included the presence of food education to schools and businesses and it will tackle the education program of food waste as part of France's drive to reduce food waste by 2025.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!