Enhancing food security and environmental sustainability: A critical review of food loss and waste management

Abstract

Food loss and waste (FLW) occurs at each and every stage of the food supply chain. The current linear model of FLW management (incineration and landfill) creates a linear path of nutrients utilization, which threatens food security and environmental sustainability in the long run. Circular economy model has been proposed as an efficient strategy to reduce and recycle FLW. Although many literature reviews were conducted to realize the transition from linear model to circular economy, a more focused and rigorous assessment of FLW reduction and recycling is currently not available. A lot of work remains in order to translate this “circular model” into an actionable plan. By reviewing the recent progress in the FLW management in the literature, this paper highlights their pros and cons to provide a deep and comprehensive understanding about the “circular model”. This review can provide a deeper analysis of “circular” solutions to existing linear pathways, which play an important role in enhancing food security and environmental sustainability in future. • The circular model and linear model of food loss and waste management are elucidated. • The pros and cons of food loss and waste reduction and recycling are highlighted. • The relationship of food loss and waste management with food security and environmental sustainability are discussed.