Grain loss refers to the deterioration or discarding of grain before it becomes the final product or enters the retail stage. Food waste means that food is discarded by consumers or retailers because it does not meet strict quality standards or is usually misled by product date labels.

the food and agriculture organization of the United nations (FAO) predicts that the grain loss rate is as high as 1.4%, which is equivalent to the loss of one Vietnam's GDP every year. The food loss rate in developing countries is higher than that in developed countries.

For example, the grain loss rates in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Central Asia are 14% and 21.7% respectively. In developed countries such as Australia and New Zealand, the average grain loss rate is about 5.8%. Foods with high loss ratio include: root tuber, tuber and oil crops (25%), fruits and vegetables (22%), meat and livestock products (12%), etc.

Measures to curb food waste

To curb food waste, on the one hand, we should strengthen institutional constraints, vigorously advocate "CD-ROM Action", and carry out institutional constraints and strengthen supervision and inspection on different subjects such as catering industry, unit canteens, official activities, schools, families and individuals. On the other hand, it is necessary to correctly guide the concept of consumption, incorporate the requirements of saving grain into citizens' conventions, village rules and regulations, industry norms, etc., strengthen the publicity of saving grain, and continue to promote the change of customs, so that saving grain and opposing waste become a common practice in the whole society.

In terms of supply chain management, Cao Hui said that it is necessary to innovate the food processing and distribution mode, support catering units to make full use of central kitchens, speed up the construction of staple food distribution centers and cold chain supporting systems, and promote the resource utilization of kitchen waste.