Comprehensive mapping of food loss and food waste: Insights from a systematic literature review

Abstract

This research aims to comprehensively map the stages at which food materials are discarded as food loss and food waste, drawing insights from existing literature. This study employs a systematic literature review methodology-the works of literature collected from reputable international journal databases. The findings of this investigation reveal a diverse array of research endeavors within the realm of food waste management. Researchers have undertaken endeavors to categorize different types of food waste, while others have delved into examining food resilience and waste generation in agricultural phases or amongst farmers. Distinct studies have concentrated on food resilience and waste issues encompassing traditional market traders. The academic community has also directed attention towards food waste in harvest, retail sales, followed by the hospitality industry, restaurant management, and household settings. The outcomes of this systematic literature review offer a foundational framework for delineating food waste patterns across agricultural, traditional market, retail, restaurant, hotel, and household contexts. Subsequent empirical research is poised to focus on categorizing food waste by type, identifying root causes, exploring mitigation efforts, and elucidating waste management strategies enacted by farmers, traditional market traders, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and households.