Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union
1.2. Contact organisation unit
E2: Environmental statistics and accounts; sustainable development
1.3. Contact name
Restricted from publication
1.4. Contact person function
Restricted from publication
1.5. Contact mail address
2920 Luxembourg LUXEMBOURG
1.6. Contact email address
Restricted from publication
1.7. Contact phone number
Restricted from publication
1.8. Contact fax number
Restricted from publication
24 March 2023
2.1. Metadata last certified
24 March 2023
2.2. Metadata last posted
24 March 2023
2.3. Metadata last update
24 March 2023
The indicator is part of the Circular Economy indicator set. It is used to monitor progress towards a circular economy on the thematic area of 'Production and consumption'.
Food waste depletes our natural resources and generates greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing food waste has an enormous potential for saving the resources we use to produce the food we eat. Under the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission will propose legally binding targets to reduce food waste . These targets will help limit the food supply chain’s impact on the environment and climate and ensure more food is available for human consumption, thereby creating a more sustainable food system.
4.1. Data description
The indicator measures food waste generated in the production, manufacturing, distribution, food services and households stages of the food supply chain (kg per capita).
Currently food waste monitoring is hampered by lack of time series data, since reporting obligations and methodology have just entered into force for the reference year 2020. The indicator differentiates between food waste generated at primary production sectors (agriculture, fisheries), food processing, retail, restaurants and hospitality, and households. The greatest proportion of food waste is generated by households, where most of the consumption happens, complemented by restaurants and hospitality services, while primary production, processign and manufacturing and retail have the possibility of having by products to avoid food waste generation. The definition of food waste in the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) and the Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2019/1597 excludes food losses in primary production from food waste, which reduces comparability with previous studies and UN initiatives.
Data are available only for one reference year (2020). According to Commission delegated decision (EU) 2019/1597, countries may choose between a set of measurement methodologies defined in Annex III, based on a mandatory study to be conducted at least once every 4 years; moreover, for the first reporting period, Member States may use data already collected under existing arrangements for the year 2017 or later. Therefore, even if data seems robust, there are measurements to be improved in the years to come in order to ensure better comparability between countries. Time series are not present and cannot therefore be analysed. Kg per capita use would benefit from considering resident and non-resident population
4.2. Unit of measure
Kg per capita (based on annual average population).
4.3. Reference Period
Calendar year.
4.4. Accuracy - overall
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link in "Related metadata").
4.5. Source data
4.5.1. Source data - Organisation
Data source: European Statistical System (ESS).
Data provider: Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) based on data reported by the countries:
Data and information on food waste and food waste prevention are based on the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) that establishes an annual reporting obligation on measurements of the levels of food waste, on the Commission delegated decision (EU) 2019/1597, that defines the common methodology and minimum quality requirements for the uniform measurement of levels of food waste, and finally on the Commission implementing decision (EU) 2019/2000, that provides the reporting format.
5.1. Frequency of dissemination
5.1.1. Frequency of dissemination - Grade
Every year
5.1.2. Frequency of dissemination - Comment
Indicator is updated annually in December.
5.2. Timeliness
5.2.1. Timeliness - Grade
T+2 years
5.2.2. Timeliness - Comment
New data points are disseminated within two years after the reference year.
6.1. Reference area
6.1.1. Reference Area - Grade
All EU MS
6.1.2. Reference Area - Comment
Data are presented for all available EU Member States, plus voluntary data from Norway.
The indicator measures food waste generated in the production, manufacturing, distribution, food services and households stages of the food supply chain (kg per capita).
Currently food waste monitoring is hampered by lack of time series data, since reporting obligations and methodology have just entered into force for the reference year 2020. The indicator differentiates between food waste generated at primary production sectors (agriculture, fisheries), food processing, retail, restaurants and hospitality, and households. The greatest proportion of food waste is generated by households, where most of the consumption happens, complemented by restaurants and hospitality services, while primary production, processign and manufacturing and retail have the possibility of having by products to avoid food waste generation. The definition of food waste in the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) and the Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2019/1597 excludes food losses in primary production from food waste, which reduces comparability with previous studies and UN initiatives.
Data are available only for one reference year (2020). According to Commission delegated decision (EU) 2019/1597, countries may choose between a set of measurement methodologies defined in Annex III, based on a mandatory study to be conducted at least once every 4 years; moreover, for the first reporting period, Member States may use data already collected under existing arrangements for the year 2017 or later. Therefore, even if data seems robust, there are measurements to be improved in the years to come in order to ensure better comparability between countries. Time series are not present and cannot therefore be analysed. Kg per capita use would benefit from considering resident and non-resident population
24 March 2023
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Calendar year.
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link in "Related metadata").
Kg per capita (based on annual average population).
