Instant Genius How to combat the planet’s growing issue of food waste
Nov 17, 2025
Dr. Natalia Falagán is an Agricultural Engineer and Senior Lecturer at Cranfield University, focused on food waste reduction. She discusses the staggering statistic that one-third of food is wasted globally and differentiates between food loss and waste. Highlights include the importance of cold chain logistics, the disconnect between producers and consumers regarding seasonal produce, and the role of 'ugly' fruits in reducing waste. She also offers practical tips like growing herbs and revisiting food origins to help combat this pressing issue.
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Scale And Shape Of Food Loss
- Around one third of global food is lost or wasted, but the scale varies by region and food type.
- Fruit and vegetables suffer most because they are highly perishable and require complex handling.
Different Causes Before And After The Plate
- Food loss occurs before consumers and links to infrastructure; food waste happens at consumer stages and links to behaviour.
- Low-income countries face loss from handling and lack of cold chain while industrialized ones see consumer-driven waste.
Cold Chain Is About Right Temperatures
- Maintaining correct cold chain from harvest to retail is crucial to preserve quality and safety.
- Wrong temperatures can create disorders or overcooling, increasing waste and emissions.