Nearly a decade ago, France made history by becoming the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away unsold or near-expiry food. Instead, stores were required to donate edible items to charities and food banks, ensuring that perfectly good food reached those in need rather than ending up in landfills.
This groundbreaking law, passed unanimously by the French Senate, was a response to shocking levels of food waste over 7 million tonnes annually, even as many people struggled with hunger.
Under the law, supermarkets that fail to comply face fines of up to €75,000 (₹68 lakh) or even two years in prison. It was a powerful message: wasting food is no longer just careless, it’s unethical and illegal.
The impact was immediate, food banks across France reported millions of additional meals being distributed every year. Campaigners like Arash Derambarsh, who initiated the petition, hailed it as a victory for both social justice and sustainability.
Fast forward to today, and the world’s food waste problem remains staggering. Globally, over 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted every year, while nearly 828 million people go hungry. This contrast makes France’s model more relevant than ever.
Countries like the UK and the US have voluntary programs to reduce waste, but few have taken such firm legislative action.
As climate change worsens and food insecurity rises, it’s time for others to follow France’s lead, making food redistribution mandatory, not optional.
France proved that one law can change habits, protect the planet, and feed millions. The question is how long will other nations wait to catch up?