May 12, 2008

Britain disposes 5,500 chickens daily amid global food crisis
 

Amid global food shortages and soaring food prices, Britain disposes millions of tonnes of food each day, including 5,500 whole chickens and 660,000 eggs, according a newly released study by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

The annual total of wasted products add up to a shocking GBP 10 billion (US$20 billion), said the government-backed study.

The study said that millions of food are wasted each day, including; 7 million whole slices of bread; 1.3 million unopened yoghurts and yoghurt drinks; 1.2 million sausages; 1 million slices of ham; 550,000 rashers of bacon; 330,000 unopened processed meat-based meals; 330,000 chicken portions; 660,000 eggs; and 5,500 whole chickens.

Most food waste derives from completely untouched food products, typically whole chickens that lie uneaten in cupboards and fridges before being discarded.

The findings are shocking as the disposal of wasted food emits 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and this is an issue that concerns everyone and about the understanding on the value of food, said Liz Goodwin, chief executive of WRAP.

Increasing populations, droughts and rising demand for arable land for biofuels have led to a global food crisis.

In Britain, food prices increased 4.7 percent in the past month and the surging wheat prices have pushed UK food prices up by 11 percent in the past year.