Sustainable Management of Food Waste in Saudi Arabia

Food wasteFood waste management, FWM is essential factor that is firmly related to environment and creates several issues throughout the globe. Food wasteFood waste, FW is a global threatening subject for food systems. Because of inadequate infrastructure and techniques, many countries are facing difficulties in judicious management of FW. Comprehensive definition of the term “food wastageWastage” (Food WasteFood waste, Food lossFood loss, and food surplus) with clear classification (Avoidable, Nonavoidable, unplanned, planned food wasteFood waste and post-harvest food wasteFood waste) is elaborated. It helps to distinguish wasted food at all stages of food supply chainFood supply chain (FSC), which needs to be addressed and managed. Likewise, a brief discussion about Saudi Arabia (among the top food wasters) is included and some of the challenges that may cause the gaps in the management have also been discussed in some specific cases. The potential environmental impactsEnvironmental impact of food wasteFood waste and its treatment techniques have also been highlighted to identify gaps and hotspots in food wasteFood waste management. Besides, the article suggests some strategies to tackle food lossFood loss/waste by applying zero hunger strategy, sustainable management, legislations and strict laws, and circular bioeconomyCircular bioeconomy. Also, some recommendations to strengthen the role of food wasteFood waste management has been addressed at the end.