Food waste has become a serious social problem that deserves far greater public attention. Every day, large quantities of perfectly edible food are thrown away by households, restaurants, markets and businesses. At a time when many families struggle to afford adequate food, wasting food is not merely an economic loss; it is also a social and moral concern.
Food is wasted at almost every stage of its journey from the farm to the consumer. Farmers may lose crops because of poor storage facilities, inadequate transportation or weak market systems. Fruits and vegetables can spoil before reaching consumers because they are not stored at suitable temperatures.
Retailers may discard products because they are considered unattractive or because they have remained unsold for too long. Households are another major source of food waste. People often purchase more food than they require and then throw away what remains unused.
Large portions prepared for family gatherings can also result in considerable waste. In some households, food is discarded simply because it is no longer considered fresh, even though it may still be safe to consume.
Restaurants and hotels face a similar problem. Buffets and large portions can lead to significant quantities of uneaten food being thrown away. Although some establishments donate surplus food to charities, such practices are far from universal.
Munazir Mirza (Karachi)
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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