food loss

Food loss refers to the reduction in the quantity or quality of food intended for human consumption, occurring during production, post-harvest handling, processing, or distribution. It happens for various reasons, such as spoilage, improper storage, pests, or logistical issues. Essentially, edible food that could have nourished people is wasted due to inefficiencies or challenges in the supply chain. Addressing food loss can help improve food security, reduce environmental impacts from wasted resources, and make better use of available food supplies.