Law No. 217 “On reducing food waste”.

This Law primarily addresses the issue of food waste reduction within the agro-food sector, establishing a legal framework aimed at preventing food waste through various measures. It operates under the context of the European Union's regulatory framework, specifically referencing Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002, which outlines general principles and requirements of food law. The document emphasizes the importance of compliance with food safety legislation and the role of economic operators in mitigating food waste, aligning with broader policy goals of sustainability and resource conservation. The document outlines several key measures for food waste prevention, including the donation of food products nearing their expiration date to authorized recipient operators. It specifies that food can be transferred for human consumption within the last ten days before the expiration date, with recipient operators responsible for adhering to food safety regulations. Additionally, it encourages economic operators to engage in voluntary partnerships and campaigns to raise awareness about food waste reduction, while also recommending the implementation of at least two actions aimed at preventing food waste before resorting to waste disposal. The implementation of the law is to be overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which is tasked with developing methodological norms within six months of the law's publication. The document also outlines compliance requirements, including the necessity for annual reports from economic operators detailing their food waste reduction plans and actions taken. Enforcement mechanisms are established, with penalties for non-compliance, and the text highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement in the process, ensuring that all parties in the agro-food supply chain are engaged in the efforts to reduce food waste.