France makes a huge step by becoming the first country to ban supermarkets from throwing away unsold foods. The law is set to apply this month. From now on, grocery stores must donate left foods to charities. By banning supermarkets from wasting foods, the country hopes to cut food poisoning risk that has become a serious concern in France.
The law itself is a result of an assembly since December 2015. Now that it is put into practice, according to the Guardian, this act of donating food can result in more meals for the poor. In the previous years, French large grocery stores were free to trash edible foods when the peak quality has passed, even days before the expiry dates.
Anti-poverty campaigners relentlessly supported the petition - opposing the food waste and food poisoning. The bill was stamped in December and food minister, Guillaume Garot introduced it to the country.
The law also banning supermarkets from binning the foods as many unemployed, families, homeless people foraging the stores' trash - looking for edible products. From now on, large supermarket with a size of at least 4,305 sq ft, have to sign contracts with charities to donate their foods. Or else, they will be charged with €3,750 penalty.
Describing the law to be very important and positive - Jacques Bailet, head of Banques Alimentaires, said that the obligation may increase the food bank donation from supermarkets. And it could also lead to the increase of nutrition as the fruits, vegetables and meat supplies are constant.
To take note, food waste is not only happening in grocery stores but also in restaurants and even school canteens. As France legally stops the food waste, the next step would be to extend the law, probably to the whole European Union.
