Laws Against Food Waste: What Is Being Done Around the World?

Each year, around 931 million tons of food are wasted worldwide. This means that 1 out of every 3 food items produced ends up in the trash, while millions of people face food insecurity. This situation is not only unfair — it also has a devastating environmental impact.

That’s why many countries are moving forward with laws and public policies aimed at preventing food waste at its root. Below, we share some key examples — and how, at Gurpa Bio, we also contribute to this cause in a positive way through innovative packaging solutions.

What are other countries doing to fight food waste?

Spain

In 2022, a pioneering law was passed that requires food chain companies to have prevention plans. Among other measures, they must:

• Prioritize donation of edible food

• Offer discounts on products near their expiration date

• Provide takeout containers in restaurants for leftovers

  
  

Colombia

Law 1990, updated in 2019, establishes measures to prevent food waste, giving priority to donations for vulnerable populations such as people in extreme poverty, children, seniors, and pregnant women.

Argentina

Since 2005, the DONAL Law has encouraged food donations. However, it still faces tax and health regulation barriers that hinder its full implementation.

Mexico

Currently, there is no federal law specifically addressing food waste. However, some states, such as Zacatecas, have begun passing related legislation. At the national level, there is the National Council for Food Utilization, but a strong and unified legal framework is still needed.

France

In 2016, France became the first country to ban supermarkets from throwing away edible food. The law requires stores larger than 400 m² to donate their surplus to charities, or face fines of up to €3,750 per violation.

China

The 2021 “Food Waste Law” bans practices like excessive eating challenges and requires restaurants to post warnings about waste. Violations can result in fines of up to 10,000 yuan.

United States

Six states — including California and New York — prohibit sending food waste to landfills, instead promoting composting and recycling systems. Additionally, cities like San Francisco require the mandatory separation of organic waste.

And What About Packaging? A Tool to Prevent Waste

Often, food is not thrown away because it has spoiled — but because it loses freshness too quickly. This is where the right packaging makes a difference.

At Gurpa Bio, we develop flexible packaging solutions that:

• Extend shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and other fresh products

• Maintain optimal levels of humidity and oxygen through technologies like modified atmosphere packaging

• Help producers and distributors reduce food loss during transport and storage

  
  

Fighting food waste is not only about laws and policies — it’s also about innovation and awareness across the entire supply chain.

Gurpa Bio Packaging for Extended Freshness

What can you do?

In addition to supporting and demanding effective legislation, you can adopt habits that reduce waste in your own home:

• Plan your grocery shopping

• Store your food properly

• Donate what you won’t use

• Choose products with packaging that helps preserve freshness

Every action counts. And together — through policy, industry, and at home — we can transform this reality.