The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially renewed its commitment to reducing food loss and waste by signing a formal agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the press release, this agreement, part of the Federal Interagency Collaboration to Reduce Food Loss and Waste (FIFLAW), was further bolstered by the inclusion of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), expanding the collaboration’s reach internationally.

The agreement was signed by key figures: Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., and USAID Administrator Samantha Power. This renewal and expansion underscore a strong federal commitment to reducing food loss and waste, a goal that aligns with the national target of a 50% reduction by 2030.

FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf emphasized the importance of a collaborative, whole-of-government approach. He highlighted that consumer engagement is crucial to achieving these goals. “We also recognize the role that empowered U.S. consumers can play in helping to reach the national food waste reduction goal,” said Califf. The FDA provides resources such as the 2022 Food Code, Tips to Reduce Food Waste, and the Food Loss and Waste Social Media Toolkit to support these efforts.

The collaboration’s activities encompass the development of educational and guidance materials, outreach efforts including federal panels at events, research initiatives, community investments, voluntary programs, technical assistance, policy discussions, and public-private partnerships. With USAID’s involvement, the federal effort can now engage a broader range of international stakeholders, optimizing government resources to drive global change.

An example of the collaboration’s impact is the expansion of the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions program, a public-private partnership initiative. This program has grown from 30 Champions in March 2020 to 50, including major industry players like Danone North America, Smithfield Foods, Inc., Starbucks, Sysco, and Tyson Foods. These businesses have committed to reducing food loss and waste in their U.S. operations by 50% by 2030.

Globally, food loss and waste account for 30-40% of food produced, with significant losses occurring at various stages from farm to consumer due to spoilage, pest damage, storage issues, transit problems, and consumer waste.

In the U.S. alone, nearly 80 billion pounds of food end up in municipal solid waste landfills each year, representing missed opportunities for improved food security, economic growth, and environmental benefits.

The Federal Interagency Collaboration to Reduce Food Loss and Waste was initially formed in October 2018 and renewed in December 2020. Since its inception, the collaboration has released a draft National Strategy to Reduce Food Loss and Waste and Recycle Organics, which is a critical step toward achieving the national reduction goal. The USDA, EPA, and FDA’s actions outlined in this strategy aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions, save money for households and businesses, and create cleaner communities.

Furthermore, the collaboration has signed an agreement with ReFED, a national non-profit, to leverage resources and assess the effectiveness of food waste reduction strategies in the U.S. This partnership is a vital component of the broader strategy to evaluate and refine the technical implementation of these initiatives.

The renewed Federal Interagency Collaboration looks to build on its current successes and future plans, as outlined in the forthcoming National Strategy. This strategic plan represents a comprehensive approach to addressing food loss and waste, with significant benefits for the environment, economy, and food security.