The indicator aims to measure the total amount of food that is wasted in tonnes. It complements SDG 12.3.1(a) on Food Loss (which is under the custodianship of FAO) Both indicators look to divide the food value chain and measure the efficiency of the food system.
According to an FAO publication in 2011, approximately one-third of all food is lost or wasted. This results in economic loss and increased the pressure on food systems. Reducing food waste is critical to maximizing the value of agricultural land and ensuring that natural resources are used in a sustainable way.
This indicator will not only help countries identify where food is lost and wasted, but also it can provide information which Governments, citizens and the private sector can take in order to reduce food waste. A full methodology for this indicator is available in the document entitled, “Measuring Waste in the Context of the SDGs”. For the purpose of this indicator, the methodology aims to estimate the amount of food in total waste stream.