The UK government has decided against implementing mandatory food-waste reporting for manufacturers in the country due to associated costs. Instead, the Food Waste Prevention Team, overseen by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has chosen to maintain the current voluntary approach.
Defra states that a regulatory approach is not currently suitable, especially considering that additional costs may be passed on to consumers. Instead, the government will seek to improve the number of food businesses reporting through voluntary means. A review of the voluntary reporting system will take place in mid-2025, with any planned changes communicated to businesses at least a year after the review.
The UK government launched consultations on food-waste proposals in June, receiving responses from 3,851 businesses and organizations. The options discussed were maintaining the status quo or implementing mandatory food-waste reporting for “large food businesses”. Overall, respondents showed support for increasing engagement and action to reduce food waste, but concerns about costs influenced the decision.
The voluntary approach to food-waste reporting has seen moderate success so far, with nearly half of large food businesses voluntarily measuring and reporting in 2022. However, the number of businesses reporting has stalled and is projected to plateau. To incentivize action and reduce food waste, the government is considering options to increase reporting.
Defra’s decision was based on the fact that only 39% of respondents classified themselves as “large food businesses”. This means that the majority of respondents would not be directly affected by mandatory reporting. Additionally, there are financial costs associated with compliance. Estimated costs for businesses under a regulatory requirement could reach £5.3 million ($6.8 million) on average annually, compared to £0.3 million under the current policy.
The UK’s food-waste program is managed by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Through the voluntary approach, 221 businesses reported food waste in 2022. WRAP’s progress report in 2021 revealed that 251,000 tonnes of food, valued at £365 million, were saved from going to waste. In related news, Defra recently announced that new rules holding food producers accountable for the cost of recyclable packaging will be delayed to 2025 due to economic pressures facing consumers and businesses.
In order to tackle inflation and boost recycling efforts, Defra is listening to industry feedback and aiming to align these goals.
