Household food waste: a hidden threat to China’s food security and the path to resolution

2025-07-31

Food security is a cornerstone of national stability, yet household food waste has emerged as a potential threat to this foundation. According to the 2023 China Food and Nutrition Development Report, China’s overall food loss and waste rate reached 22.7% in 2022, amounting to a staggering 460 million tons. While the waste rate in household food consumption is relatively lower at 5.0%, compared to 15.2% in the catering sector, it still represents a significant loss. Household food waste not only causes substantial economic losses but also puts pressure on the sustainable use of food resources.

The Hidden Crisis in Chinese Kitchens

Household food waste mainly stems from over-purchasing, improper storage, and uneaten leftovers. Many families do not plan their shopping carefully, often giving in to impulse buying that leads to food spoilage and expiration. Additionally, some households hold the mistaken belief that “more is better” when cooking, frequently resulting in unnecessary waste. These seemingly minor behaviors add up to a substantial problem.

Statistics indicate that urban households alone waste approximately 30 million tons of food annually, equivalent to the annual food consumption of 50 million people. According to the 2023 China Food and Nutrition Development Report, economically, food waste results in losses of up to 1.88 trillion yuan in 2022. The impact of household food waste extends beyond mere economic loss; it also involves the resources consumed in food production, such as water, land, and energy. Moreover, the disposal of wasted food generates additional environmental burdens, including landfilling and greenhouse gas emissions.

Multiple policy directives have been issued, calling for reducing food waste — particularly in the catering sector. This high-level commitment has catalyzed the implementation of comprehensive policies, including the Action Plan for Grain Conservation (2021) and the Action Plan on Food Conservation and Anti-Food Waste (2024). These frameworks provide systematic guidance for addressing household food waste through both regulatory measures and cultural transformation.

Policy Framework and Behavioral Shifts

China's legislative advancements have established a robust foundation for combating food waste. The implementation of the Anti-Food Waste Law of the People's Republic of China in 2021 marked a key milestone, legally mandating food conservation responsibilities across societal sectors. This legal framework complements the State Council's action plans, forming a multi-pronged approach that combines systemic improvements with bottom-up behavior change.

 According to these policies and legal frameworks, key strategies to address household food waste include:

Enhancing awareness of food conservation. Raising awareness among household members is key to reducing waste. The Action Plan on Food Conservation and Anti-Food Waste emphasizes the need to deepen research on healthy diets for Chinese residents and has released recommended ranges for the intake of various foods, advocating for balanced nutrition and a scientific, moderate diet. Public campaigns such as “Clear Your Plate” have helped foster a culture of conscious eating, while some families now participate in “zero-waste meal challenges” to encourage mindful consumption at home.

Rational purchasing and storage. Households should create shopping lists based on actual needs to avoid impulsive buying and over-purchasing. Mastering the correct methods of food storage, such as categorizing storage, controlling temperature and humidity help extend the shelf life of food and reduce waste caused by spoilage. For example, storing vegetables in sealed plastic bags can prolong their freshness. Community-led initiatives now offer seasonal storage workshops, while e-commerce platforms provide smart shopping apps that calculate optimal purchase quantities based on family size. Families are also adopting vacuum sealers and fridge organizers to track expiration dates visually.

Optimizing cooking and dining habits. In the cooking process, households should plan ingredient quantities based on the number of family members and their appetites, avoiding the mentality of "better too much than too little." Leftover food can be creatively reused through methods such as making soup or fried rice. Additionally, adopting portion control can reduce food waste caused by differences in individual appetites. Parents can use child-sized plates to adjust portions, while families may implement a "leftover rotation system" where unused ingredients are prioritized in subsequent meals.

Publicity, education, and social support. All sectors of society should help promote food conservation through education and outreach. This can be achieved through community activities and media campaigns to popularize knowledge and skills for saving food. Schools and families should teach young people about good eating habits and a sense of frugality. Moreover, the government can develop policies to encourage enterprises to develop products and services that support food conservation. Neighborhood apps now connect households to share surplus harvests from home gardens, while local recycling centers offer composting programs to repurpose food scraps.

Technological and innovative support. Technology can play a significant role in reducing household food waste. For example, developing smart refrigerators that use sensors and data analysis to remind household members of the shelf life and storage status of food. In addition, promoting whole-grain foods and moderate processing technologies can not only reduce waste in the processing stage but also improve the nutritional value of food. Emerging startups offer AI-powered meal planning apps linked with grocery delivery services, while families use fridge-cam systems to monitor food availability remotely and prevent forgotten items.

Reducing household food waste is essential not only for national food security but also for sustainable resource use and environmental protection. As the nation progresses toward its 2035 sustainability goals, continued emphasis on household-level food conservation will remain pivotal in securing both national food security and global environmental stewardship. As policy and practice converge, China’s proactive stance on food conservation serves as a model for balancing national stability with responsible resource management, ensuring a resilient future for generations to come. 

Minshi, Huazhong Agricultural University