Food worth nearly Dhs10 billion is wasted annually despite remedial governmental steps

Food worth nearly Dhs10 billion is wasted annually despite remedial governmental steps

Somaiya Saad & Mohammed Al Mahi Can you imagine how much food is wasted a year in the country?! It is as huge as a mountain. Therefore, the issue of food waste has become one of the state's top concerns due to its negative environmental, social and economic repercussions. The government is making great efforts to find innovative and effective solutions to reduce the quantities of food wasted. This is because the value of food waste in the country touches over Dhs10 billion annually. And according to the latest official data and statistics, one person wastes an average amount of 179 kilograms of food a year. Absence of societal awareness of optimal food consumption is the biggest reason behind the waste. Thus, minimizing the loss begins with raising awareness and following a positive life style, in addition to instilling the values of optimal consumption. The country seeks to reduce food waste by 15 per cent by end of this year in line with its strategy of food security. This strategy is based on improving the community's food consumption style and involving the society in the food security system because it plays an effective role “” which is following healthy styles,