France has established itself as the first country in the world to implement a law that prohibits supermarkets from discarding food in good condition. The regulation requires all stores over 400 square meters to donate their unsold products to charities or food banks.
The goal is to reduce food waste while ensuring that surpluses reach those who need them most. The law establishes mandatory agreements between businesses and social entities, ensuring an efficient and continuous redistribution network.
With this measure, millions of tons of food, from fresh fruits to packaged products nearing their expiration date, are redirected each year for human consumption.
France sets a global milestone by requiring supermarkets to donate unsold food to organizations. Photo: Pixabay.
The impact of an exemplary policy
Since its approval, the French legislation has allowed millions of meals that previously ended up in landfills to be rescued. This action not only reduces pollution and gas emissions generated by organic waste but also improves food access in vulnerable sectors.
The measure was extended to catering services and food manufacturing companies, expanding the zero-waste commitment to the entire food chain.
The French model inspired similar policies in European countries and positioned France as a world leader in the fight against food waste.
Social, environmental, and economic benefits
This initiative offers direct benefits on three levels: social, ecological, and economic. Socially, it ensures a greater distribution of nutritious food among the most needy populations, strengthening food security.
From an environmental perspective, it significantly reduces methane emissions generated by the decomposition of organic waste in landfills, contributing to mitigating climate change.
Economically, it reduces waste management costs for businesses and stimulates a solidarity circuit that promotes employment in social organizations and food banks.
France sets a global milestone by requiring supermarkets to donate unsold food to organizations. Photo: Pixabay.
A replicable model for a sustainable planet
France’s success demonstrates that public policies can transform consumption and production habits. By establishing the responsibility of supermarkets, the country raises awareness about the value of food and promotes more responsible consumption.
This experience reinforces the need for more nations to adopt similar measures, integrating sustainability and social justice into their food systems.
Each recovered product prevents waste, each donation strengthens solidarity, and each utilized meal represents a victory against waste and inequality.
France, with this pioneering law, not only feeds its population: it also nurtures a global model of hope and sustainability.
Dining and Cooking