Best Use of Law
Make Food Waste Count
@feedbackorg
Pumpkin Glean, The Gleaning Network, Alexis Maryon, 2022
Feedback’s strategic legal action has kept mandatory food waste reporting on the table as a key policy for the Government to adopt to reach critical climate targets.
The Campaign
In July 2023, the UK Government announced its decision to scrap proposals for mandatory reporting requirements for businesses on tackling food waste. This which has huge implications for people and the planet, as food waste produces a staggering 8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
After over a decade of campaigning against food waste through a combination of traditional tactics, in September 2023, Feedback decided to take legal action against this U-turn.
Feedback’s legal challenge made the case that the Government’s decision was based on an insufficient impact assessment and not on a rational view of the evidence it received. The decision ignored the overwhelming support found by the Government’s consultation, with 99% of respondents in favour of the policy, including the majority of businesses in scope. It ignored advice from the Government’s own climate and waste experts and failed to take into account the emissions and cost savings.
Feedback’s community food waste event, Feedback, 2015
After many years of research, campaigning, and coalition building, it was litigation that finally forced the Government to reopen its decision to scrap plans for mandatory food waste reporting for big businesses – a critical first step to tackle the scourge of food waste and climate change. I am delighted and honoured that the hard work of my colleagues, of our allies, and of our legal team has been shortlisted for the SMK Best Use of Law award.”
Carina Millstone, Executive Director, Feedback
Feedback’s community food waste event, Feedback, 2015
After many years of research, campaigning, and coalition building, it was litigation that finally forced the Government to reopen its decision to scrap plans for mandatory food waste reporting for big businesses – a critical first step to tackle the scourge of food waste and climate change. I am delighted and honoured that the hard work of my colleagues, of our allies, and of our legal team has been shortlisted for the SMK Best Use of Law award.”
Carina Millstone, Executive Director, Feedback
The Change
Feedback’s strategic legal action has ensured that mandatory food waste measurement remains on the table as a key policy for the Government to adopt to reach critical climate targets.
In November 2023, in response to the action, the new Environment Secretary Steve Barclay agreed to review the Government’s decision not to introduce mandatory food waste reporting, with a new decision expected to be made in the first half of 2024.
Mandatory food waste reporting is a vital step towards the UK reducing food waste and associated emissions. The current lack of monitoring means that food businesses causing waste can avoid scrutiny, farmers suffer as their food is rejected, and food waste piles up. Public reporting is an essential part of holding companies accountable for the food they waste and measuring progress.
The policy has growing support, including 16,000 petition signatories, 29 civil society groups, 29 MP EDM signatories, many large UK businesses, and several Conservative MPs.
Feedback’s campaign presents a novel, last resort use of strategic litigation, after years of traditional advocacy techniques including private sector engagement and media work. It shows that NGOs are willing to challenge the Government if it ignores its own experts and consultation findings.
The Future
Whilst awaiting the Government’s decision, Feedback is working with charities, businesses, and food producers to raise pressure on MPs, making it clear that mandatory reporting has wide support and that voluntary approaches aren’t working.
If given the green light, this would be the first legislation of its kind, making the UK a world leader in food waste transparency and providing a template for the world to copy. It could shine a light on the millions of tonnes of food thrown away by food businesses each year, encourage them to reduce their waste, and help tackle the climate crisis.
Who else was involved?
Feedback would like to thank the following people for their invaluable collaboration and support on this campaign:
- Ricardo Gama from Leigh Day
- Ruchi Parekh from Cornerstone Barristers
- Law for Change
- Toast Brewing, DASH Water and Olio for generous donations and collaborating to create the crowdfunder video
- Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall for help with the crowdfunder video
- Crowdjustice
- All the other generous organisations and individuals who donated to our crowdfunder
