Food chain sustainability

MEPs want tougher sanctions over food fraud after horse meat scandal

One year after the horse meat scandal broke across Europe, the European Parliament on Tuesday called for more inspections of food production chains and tougher penalties for companies that commit food fraud. The controversy began last year when DNA tests revealed that some products sold across Europe were labeled as beef but in fact contained up to 100% horsemeat.

Food Waste: Cutting losses along the supply chain

In response to the European Commission's study that estimated annual food waste in the EU at approximately 179kg per person, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in January 2012 on how to avoid food waste. The resolution is aimed at identifying a series of strategies for a more efficient food chain in the EU. Among these strategies, the design of new packaging that will increase longevity of goods plays an important role. How achievable is the 50% reduction of food waste by 2025? What measures should be taken to reach this objective?