(a) whether the United Nations along with some other organisations had launched a
global campaign to reduce food wastage;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Union Government for effective implementation of this campaign in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(PROF. K. V. THOMAS)
(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): As per the press release dated 22.01.2013 titled “Think, Eat, Save: UNEP, FAO
and Partners Launch Global Campaign to Change Culture of Food Waste of the United
Nationâ€, a study was conducted by FAO for International Congress-SAVE FOOD
Interpack2011 Dusseldorf, Germany- Global FOOD Losses And Food Waste. This study has
compiled and analyzed a magnitude of data and reports on food losses and waste. Causes of
and possible ways to prevent food losses and waste at each step of the supply chain were
reported.
(c): The Government of India in the Department of Consumer Affairs had set up a
Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary of the Department to study the various
aspects
of food wastages witnessed especially during occasions like marriages/parties/meetings
in the
country and suggest ways and means to control it. The Department has also started a
media
campaign to sensitize people against making such food wastages in social functions.