Mediterranean Observer
A major step in the EU’s fight against food waste took effect yesterday, with the targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) now in force. The updated law introduces the first legally binding food waste reduction targets for Member States to achieve by 2030.
Under the revised rules, countries must cut food waste by 10% in processing and manufacturing, and by 30% per person at the retail and consumption stages — which include restaurants, catering services, and households. Progress will be measured against the average annual amount of food waste generated between 2021 and 2023, although earlier reference years may be used under certain conditions.
To reach these goals, Member States are expected to strengthen their food waste prevention programmes, with actions such as public awareness campaigns, improving the efficiency of food supply chains, and encouraging cooperation between producers, retailers, and consumers. They are also urged to support innovation, training, and the redistribution of safe, unsold food through donation schemes with food banks and similar organisations.
Each Member State must also appoint a national authority to oversee food waste prevention and notify the European Commission by 17 January 2026.
The latest Eurostat figures, released on 17 October 2025, show that food waste across the EU increased in 2023. Households accounted for 53% of the total, food services and restaurants for 11%, and retail for 8%.
