Italy has introduced a new law aimed at drastically cutting the amount of food wasted in the country, with incentives to be handed to companies and individuals who give away excess food to the underprivileged rather than simply destroying it.
The bill was introduced into Italy’s senate and passed nearly unanimously Tuesday, with 161 senators voting for it, 2 against and 16 abstaining.
Supporters said the country wastes over five million tonnes per food annually, which is simply unacceptable when it costs the country £10bn every year.
According to the new law, businesses are encouraged to donate to excess food to the needy or charities, which can help towards earning tax breaks, as you pay less waste tax the more you donate. Sanctions for giving away expired foods have also been lifted – as it discouraged companies fearful of violating the law from donating food that is barely past its sell by date.
The initiative also promotes the use of ‘doggy bags’, allowing families to package leftover food from when they eat out and take it home.
The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has said 40 per cent of all food is wasted across Europe.
“The food currently wasted in Europe could feed 200 million people,” said the FAO.
Italy also recently passed a revolutionary law that said it is not a crime to steal food if one is extremely hungry.