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

Author

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  • Gyula Kasza

    (Risk Management Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, 1024 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Annamária Dorkó

    (Risk Management Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, 1024 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Atilla Kunszabó

    (Risk Management Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, 1024 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Dávid Szakos

    (Department of Veterinary Forensics and Economics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1078 Budapest, Hungary)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Gyula Kasza & Annamária Dorkó & Atilla Kunszabó & Dávid Szakos, 2020. "Quantification of Household Food Waste in Hungary: A Replication Study Using the FUSIONS Methodology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-14, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:8:p:3069-:d:344220
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    7. Vera Amicarelli & Caterina Tricase & Alessia Spada & Christian Bux, 2021. "Households’ Food Waste Behavior at Local Scale: A Cluster Analysis after the COVID-19 Lockdown," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-14, March.
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