A law to tackle food losses and food waste (Law 1/2025, of 1 April) was passed this spring. The main purposes of this regulation are to reduce food losses by promoting the circular economy and to encourage donation and redistribution, ensuring safety as well as facilitating the classification of waste.

Food losses and food rejection are present at all stages of the cycle: inadequate production forecasting, inappropriate harvesting and handling and poor storage conditions at the distribution or retail stage. There is malpractice by food and catering service providers as well as inappropriate behaviour on the part of consumers.

One legal rule alone cannot address all the inefficiencies in the system. Awareness-raising and the active involvement of all stakeholders is needed. We, as final consumers, have an influence during the purchase, preparation, consumption and disposal of food.

Agricultural, livestock and fishing activities have direct environmental impacts, while misappropriating food is a direct attack on social justice and economic activities. Laws help to raise awareness of the problem, but we have an active role to play. Let’s be responsible with food.

Law 1/2025, of April 1, on the prevention of food loss and waste.