**Summary:**
In response to concerns regarding household-level food waste, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution addresses Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1685 on July 30, 2025. The government acknowledges the issue of food waste, citing the UN Environment Programme's Food Waste Index Report 2024, which estimates household food waste in India at 55 kg per capita per year, compared to a global average of 79 kg per capita per year.
The government has undertaken publicity campaigns via print and electronic media to raise awareness about food waste reduction. States and Union Territories have been advised to incorporate food waste prevention into school curricula to educate students.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched the "Save Food Share Food" initiative to promote surplus food donation and reduce waste. This initiative is supported by the Food Safety and Standards (Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019, which outline responsibilities for food donors and distributors to ensure food safety. A dedicated website, www.sharefood.fssai.gov.in, serves as a central repository of information and resources related to the initiative and network on prevention of food waste. FSSAI actively promotes this initiative to citizens and food businesses, including caterers, to encourage safe food donation and sharing practices.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: The Indian government ministry responsible for consumer affairs, food, and public distribution.
LOK SABHA: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI: The Member of Parliament who raised the question about household-level food waste.
SHRI B.L.VERMA: The Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution who provided the answer to the question.
Food Waste Index Report 2024: A report by the UN Environment Programme providing data on global food waste.
UN Environment Programme: The United Nations Environment Programme.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): An autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India that sets standards for food articles.
Save Food Share Food: A social initiative launched by FSSAI to promote donation of surplus food and reduce food waste.
Government of India
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Department of Consumer Affairs
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1685
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025
HOUSEHOLD-LEVEL FOOD WASTE
1685. DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that household-level food waste accounts for approximately 61% of
global food waste and that India alone discards 78 million tonnes of food annually;
(b) the details of the steps taken to educate consumers on smart food planning, storage and consumption
practices to reduce domestic food waste;
(c) whether the Government proposes to introduce nationwide awareness campaigns or school-level
curricula on responsible food consumption; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI B.L.VERMA)
(a) to (d) : As per the Food Waste Index Report 2024 of the UN Environment Programme, the estimated
food waste at the household level in India is 55 kg per capita per year, as compared to the global average of 79
kg per capita per year.
The Government has carried out publicity campaigns through print and electronic media from time to
time to sensitize people against food wastage. In addition, States/UTs were advised by the Central Government
to include a chapter on prevention of food wastage in the school syllabi in order to inculcate awareness among
young students and sensitize them on the subject.
Further, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a social initiative known
as “Save Food Share Food” to help promote donation of surplus food and reduce food waste by integrating
various food distribution agencies and other stakeholders. FSSAI has also notified Food Safety and Standards
(Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019 which specify the responsibilities of food
donors and surplus food distribution organizations so that the donated food remains safe for human
consumption. A website (www.sharefood.fssai.gov.in) was developed as a repository of information on this
initiative. This website provides information related to the network on prevention of food waste, etc. FSSAI
actively promotes this initiative at various platforms to sensitise citizens and food businesses including caterers
about the donation and sharing of safe food.
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