Andrews calls on Irish restaurants and canteens to tackle food waste

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews called on Irish restaurants, schools and office canteens to do more to reduce food waste, following new Eurostat figures showing that they are the worst performers in the EU per capita.

“The Environmental Protection Agency must do more to support Irish restaurants, schools and canteens in reducing food waste, as they are the worst performing in Europe,” he said.

Andrews said, “food waste means a needless waste of money for restaurant owners and schools, when many of both are struggling with high costs.”

“When we have so many people queuing up at food kitchens in our cities, it is a shame so much food goes to waste in our cities and towns.

“Tackling food waste would also help protect the environment given the impact of food production on land and water use.

The Fianna Fáil MEP said “the good news is that while most food waste in Europe comes from households, Irish households are actually doing very well with one of the lowest levels of food waste in the EU. The Environmental Protection Agency deserves credit for that success.

“The figures for restaurants are also disappointing as we promised to do better. Ireland committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which means in comparison to 2020, that by 2030, reducing food waste by 30% in retail, restaurants, food services and households.

“So while we are doing very well at home reducing food waste, Irish restaurants, schools and office canteens must do a lot better.”