The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has delayed the mandate stating that food and drink businesses must report food waste figures until at least 2026.

The mandate was unveiled in 2018 by former Environment Secretary Michael Gove. At the end of July 2023, Defra announced a delay to the mandate’s introduction as part of an update to its 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy. It stated that 221 businesses have already committed to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Food Waste Reduction Roadmap, which sees those in the industry regularly reporting waste figures.

Defra held a consultation for all industry bodies concerning food waste reporting, with consultations closing over a year ago now. It was revealed that over 80% of respondents were in support of a mandate.

In response to the news, Company Shop Group’s managing director Owen McLellan stated: “The Government has today launched its long-awaited response to the consultation on improved waste reporting for large businesses, delaying mandatory reporting until the end of 2026 at the earliest.

“Whether reporting is mandated or remains voluntary, having access to more robust and transparent data would support all of us in reducing food waste.”

UK food industry works to reduce waste

Retailers that have joined WRAP’s Roadmap have managed to reduce their waste by a total of 8% since 2018, while producers and manufacturers have reduced theirs by 1.4%. The Government has set the target of reducing all food waste by half by 2030. Since 2007, a reduction of 21% has been recorded.

McLellan added: “In recent years the grocery sector has made great strides in reducing their waste, and redistributing more surplus. We regularly see the strongest improvements being made by businesses that understand the scale and nature of surplus and waste in their organisations. Those that have visibility in place have not only reduced their waste footprint, but have unlocked the financial, environmental and social benefits of surplus food redistribution. Mandatory reporting, later down the line, would help enhance this visibility further.

“In the meantime, we would encourage businesses to make the most of the voluntary period and prepare for future regulation by improving their own visibility of waste, and ensuring they have sustainable redistribution processes in place.”

This comes as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy was delayed by Defra at the end of July, being pushed back to after the 2024 election.