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The FOODRUS index: Assessing suitability for effective food loss and waste prevention management under an integral perspective

  • 0DeustoTech, Faculty of Engineering, University of Deusto, 48007, Bilbao, Spain.
Waste Management +

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March 6, 2024

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March 6, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A new FOODRUS index helps measure food loss and waste (FLW) impact on food supply chain (FSC) sustainability. This tool aids FSCs in assessing FLW prevention strategies and improving overall sustainability performance.

Area Of Science

  • Sustainability Science
  • Food Supply Chain Management
  • Environmental Policy

Background

  • Food loss and waste (FLW) significantly challenges the sustainability of food supply chains (FSCs), aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3.
  • Existing methodologies for measuring FLW impact lack the rigor, holistic approach, and standardization needed for universal FSC application.
  • A critical need exists for a robust framework to assess FSCs' capacity for implementing FLW prevention strategies.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop and validate a single, standardized index, the FOODRUS index, for assessing FSC readiness in implementing FLW prevention strategies.
  • To provide a quantitative measure of the impact of FLW on FSC sustainability.
  • To facilitate a diagnosis of FSC capabilities in FLW prevention at strategic and management levels.

Main Methods

  • A co-creation methodology was employed, integrating expert insights and feedback from FSC stakeholders.
  • The FOODRUS index was developed and validated through pilot studies in three distinct FSCs (Slovak, Spanish, and Danish).
  • A self-assessment tool was created to simplify the calculation and application of the FOODRUS index.

Main Results

  • The FOODRUS index was successfully validated across three pilot FSCs, yielding scores of 74.35% (Slovak), 68.79% (Spanish), and 61.14% (Danish).
  • The index effectively diagnoses the capability of FSCs to implement FLW prevention strategies.
  • The self-assessment tool simplifies the process, integrating expert knowledge and stakeholder experience.

Conclusions

  • The FOODRUS index offers a rigorous, holistic, and standardized method for evaluating FLW impact on FSC sustainability.
  • The index empowers FSCs to strategically assess and improve their FLW prevention performance.
  • The FOODRUS index contributes to advancing SDG 12.3 by enhancing the measurement and management of FLW in supply chains.

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