Quantification of Household Food Waste in Hungary: A Replication Study Using the FUSIONS Methodology

Gyula Kasza,Atilla Kunszabó,Dávid Szakos,Annamária Dorkó

doi:10.3390/su12083069

Gyula Kasza, Atilla Kunszabó + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083069

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Abstract

Household food waste accounts for the most significant part of total food waste in economically developed countries. In recent times, this issue has gained recognition in the international research community and policy making. In light of the Sustainable Development Goals of FAO, mandatory reporting on food waste has been integrated into European legislation, as a basis of preventive programs. The paper presents the results of research that aimed to quantify the food waste generated by Hungarian households. Research methodology was based on the EU compliant FUSIONS recommendations. In total, 165 households provided reliable data with detailed waste logs. Households were supported by kitchen scales, measuring glasses, and a manual. Based on the extrapolation of the week-long measurement, the average food waste was estimated to be 65.49 kg per capita annually, of which the avoidable part represented 48.81%. Within the avoidable part, meals, bakery products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and dairy products are accountable for 88% of the mass. This study was a replication of the first Hungarian household food waste measurement conducted in 2016 with the same methodology. Between the two periods, a 4% decrease was observed. The findings, for instance the dominant share of meals in food waste, should be put in focus during preventive campaigns. National level food waste measurement studies using the FUSIONS methodology should be fostered by policy makers to establish the foundations of effective governmental interventions and allow for the international benchmarking of preventive actions.

Highlights

In recent times, food wastage has become a frequently investigated issue
In countries with developed economic status, the largest quantities of food waste are generated at the consumer level [1]
The ratio of household food waste in the EU is estimated to be about 53% of the amount produced within the entire food chain, which equals 92 kg per capita annually [2]

Summary

Introduction

Food wastage has become a frequently investigated issue. In countries with developed economic status, the largest quantities of food waste are generated at the consumer level [1]. A recent study argues that physical measurements for data collection instead of self-reporting are preferred [23], because of their higher reliability. Especially in households—a sector that accounts for the most significant part of food waste in the food chain—play a central role in refining national statistics [24]. This poses a particular challenge, since the lifestyle, consumption trends, and purchasing habits are in continuous change [32]. The most important considerations for household food waste measurement studies, according to the FUSIONS methodology, are the following:

First National-Level Study in Hungary Based on the FUSIONS Methodology

Discussion of the Experiences of the First Study

Second National-Level Study in Hungary Based on the FUSIONS Methodology

Afterlife of Research Results

Sample Description

Results