Every year, billions of tonnes of food are lost or wasted worldwide. In Canada alone, more than half of all food produced is not eaten, creating significant economic, social and environmental challenges. On September 29 2025, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) will once again call attention to this urgent issue.
For the Canadian food industry, IDAFLW is a chance to reflect on how food safety practices, innovation and waste prevention strategies can make a meaningful difference.
The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) has created a helpful summary of everything you need to know about International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Click on the topics below to learn more:
The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste was established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
The FAO’s food loss and waste prevention initiative encourages individuals, businesses and governments to take action by:
This work aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve global food waste at the retail and consumer levels by 2030.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings:
Understanding the difference between food loss and food waste is critical because solutions vary depending on where waste occurs.
Food loss and waste in Canada is a pressing economic, environmental and social issue:
Reducing waste saves money, protects the environment and helps ensure more food reaches people in need. For food businesses, it also supports compliance with Canadian food safety regulations and builds consumer trust.
Every food business has a role to play in addressing this issue of food loss and waste. Poor handling, inadequate storage and insufficient staff training are common causes of food spoilage. By focusing on food waste reduction and embedding sustainability into operations, businesses can:
Aligning these actions with sustainability goals also positions businesses as responsible contributors to the fight against food loss and waste.
Implementing effective food waste prevention strategies can start with small, practical steps:
These strategies reduce waste while reinforcing food safety and sustainability commitments.
Canada is addressing food loss and waste through several initiatives, including:
Despite these programs, progress requires everyday actions from both businesses and individuals.
Food Handlers are on the front line of prevention. Their daily choices, from proper storage to careful preparation, directly affect how much food is lost. With a Food Handler Certification, staff are better equipped to:
Education empowers staff to minimize waste while ensuring customer safety.
A. International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste takes place on September 29 2025, as part of a global UN initiative.
A. Food loss happens early in the supply chain, while food waste occurs at the retail and consumer levels.
A. Canada wastes millions of tonnes of food each year, creating environmental harm, economic losses and worsening food insecurity.
A. The Global Initiative on Food Loss and Waste Reduction was introduced by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to reduce waste through improved supply chains, awareness campaigns and international collaboration.
A. Training equips staff with safe storage, preparation and handling practices that prevent spoilage and unnecessary discarding of food.
The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2025 is more than a symbolic event. It is a reminder that Canadian food businesses, governments and consumers all share responsibility for building a sustainable food system. Reducing waste protects the environment, saves money and strengthens food security.
At the Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS), we support food businesses with training, resources and practical guidance that strengthen food safety practices while helping reduce food loss and waste. By improving knowledge and embedding smart practices, businesses can make meaningful progress toward sustainability and compliance.