Too Good To Go urges DEFRA to reconsider voluntary food waste reporting.
- 80% of consultation respondents favour mandatory reporting.
- Government cites cost concerns for voluntary reporting approach.
- Critics warn the decision may hinder 2030 and 2050 environmental targets.
- Mandatory reporting considered vital for reducing food waste efficiently.
Too Good To Go has publicly urged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to reconsider its decision to implement voluntary rather than mandatory food waste disclosures until 2026. This appeal follows a governmental consultation where 80% of the respondents supported mandatory reporting, highlighting widespread agreement on the need for compulsory action in food waste management.
In documents reviewed by industry experts, the government justified the shift to voluntary measures by citing cost implications for large businesses. This reasoning has been met with concern from environmental advocates who fear that without mandatory measures, the UK may face difficulties in meeting its environmental targets set for 2030 and the net-zero goals for 2050.
Too Good To Go’s co-founder, Jamie Crummie, expressed his dismay at the government’s stance, describing it as “disheartening and regressive”. He warned that neglecting food waste reduction efforts could have significant global impacts due to food waste’s substantial contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, even exceeding the aviation industry.
Crummie further argued that implementing mandatory food waste reporting could play a crucial role in uniting efforts across the supply chain. He believes that the collected data would not only facilitate collaboration, but also potentially save time and resources, thus supporting businesses and individuals in reducing waste effectively.
The decision not to proceed with mandatory reporting has also been criticised for potentially undermining the UK’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, which include a target to cut food waste by half by 2030. Proponents of mandatory reporting insist that it is a necessary step to fortify collective actions against food waste, fostering a comprehensive approach to this pressing issue.
The debate surrounding mandatory food waste reporting highlights the tension between economic considerations and environmental commitments.
