Multi-agency TF Team for Food Waste Reduction Launched

Food waste reduction project, which is one of main action plans for energy saving and greenhouse gas reduction, began with the launch of a joint TF team by three related government departments -- the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs -- on March 9, 2010.

Composed of three groups, the TF team plans to introduce volume-based food waste disposal fee system, improve food product logistics system, and devise specific policies for each food waste generator including households, restaurants, hotels, schools and expressway rest areas, etc.

For households, the team will encourage green lifestyle such as deliberate purchase of food products and arrangement of a refrigerator. Also, for school cafeterias, the team will spread best practices such as expecting food demand and being equipped with scales for leftover food. In addition, the team will encourage restaurants to use small side dish plates and to introduce eco-friendly menu.

The Ministry of Environment said it would raise public awareness on food waste reduction by conducting public campaign and training.

Heung-won Seo, Jin-myeong Kim (+82-2-2110-6928) / Waste Resources Management Division, The Ministry of Environment