The impact of the micronutrient content of the fruit and vegetables is even greater,
having the equivalent iron content for up to 66 million people and vitamin A content
for up to 70 million people. This highlights the pressing need to reduce global
perishable food loss.
Food waste should be avoided if possible, but if waste does occur, it is important
that all efforts are made to re-use the food by donating to charity food banks or
using as animal feed. Other uses further down the food waste hierarchy include
industrial uses, anaerobic digestions or composting. Landfill or incineration should
be a last resort.
Reducing food loss has consequences beyond simply increasing calories available for
consumption. Market effects of increased supply can have an impact on price and
income for producers which might affect future production decisions. Equally,
smoothing of supply over longer periods through storage could reduce the spike-like
nature associated with short harvest and marketing periods.
More data is needed to assess the amount of food loss and the micronutrient impact
of this food loss. Additional data is also needed on the impact on rural income, the
most effective types of education, especially using new technologies such as mobile
services, the amount of out-grading and what happens to food waste.
Many governments are beginning to invest seriously in cold chain infrastructure. For
example, in India, the National Centre for Cold Chain Development has recently been
established which aims to promote and develop an integrated cold chain for
perishable produce. There is also investment from developed countries such as the
US (through USAID or the USDA Emerging Markets Programme) or Japan (through
the Cool Japan Fund). Other drivers of change such as the growing middle class in
emerging markets will increase the consumption of perishable foods, which will
increase the potential returns for private investors and help improve supply chains.