Morocco proposes new law to curb food waste

MOROCCO – Morocco is preparing to introduce a law aimed at reducing food waste, a significant problem impacting both food security and the economy.

The bill, currently in Parliament, targets responsible management of food resources across the supply chain and is set to take effect within three months of its publication.

The proposed law is seen as a crucial measure in tackling food waste in Morocco, which accounts for millions of tons annually.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Moroccan households wasted over 4.2 million tons of food in 2022 alone.

The global issue of food loss and waste costs the world economy around USD 1,000 billion annually, and Africa is no exception, where an estimated one billion meals are wasted every day.

“This initiative aims to enforce more responsible practices from farm to consumer,” said a spokesperson from the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA).

The ONSSA will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the law and ensuring that penalties for food waste are upheld.

The new legislation also plans to repurpose unused food products to other uses, such as redistribution or other non-consumable purposes.

Offenders who waste food will face fines of up to twice the market value of the wasted food, according to the draft bill.

Post-harvest losses of fresh produce are another challenge, especially in Africa. Deloitte estimates that between 30% and 50% of fresh produce in Africa is lost between production and retail due to poor harvesting practices, lack of adequate storage, and transportation challenges. High temperatures and humidity further aggravate the spoilage problem.

A global conversation

Food waste reduction was a key topic at the recent Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS) held in Rwanda, where policymakers, investors, and industry experts gathered to explore solutions to food waste.

Discussions centered on introducing innovative technologies, policy mechanisms, and financing initiatives to reduce waste and strengthen food systems across Africa.

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), stressed the importance of tackling this issue.

“Addressing food waste is not just about reducing losses; it’s about enhancing food security and ensuring that every person has access to nutritious food. We must invest in innovative technologies and infrastructure to make this a reality.”

The forum underscored the need for improved infrastructure and advanced technologies to minimize food loss.

As more African countries like Morocco consider legislation to address this issue, the focus on sustainability is expected to reshape the continent’s approach to food security.

The AFS forum stressed that reducing waste is not only about preserving food but also about ensuring equitable access to it.