Assessing Food Loss and Waste in Chile: Insights for Policy and Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that Latin America and the Caribbean experienced the most rapid rise in food insecurity, with approximately 47.7 million individuals in the region affected by hunger in 2022. In Chile, almost three million people, 15.6% of the country’s population, do not have regular access to sufficient nutritious food and suffer from some form of food insecurity. Moreover, Chile is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and contends with the depletion of several critical natural resources, notably water, stemming from severe and prolonged drought conditions. This article aims to comprehensively evaluate food loss and waste (FLW) in Chile and analyzes the implications of FLW on the sustainable development goal (SDG). This will be achieved by utilizing a top-down mass balance methodology that integrates various data sources and an in-depth analysis of the main food categories at different stages of the food supply chain (FSC). In 2021, Chile generated 5.18 million tons of FLW, with fruit being the largest contributor at 2.5 million tons (48% of total FLW). Vegetables accounted for 0.8 million tons (16%). Other food groups each contributed 1% to 10% of the total FLW. Per capita FLW was 295 kg. FLW varied by food group and FSC stage. Fruits, vegetables, starchy roots, and pulses had the most FLW early in the FSC, while cereals had it later. Comparing FLW with the domestic supply quantity of food, it is observed that 68% of the fruit available for the population was discarded. Vegetables and starchy roots also showed significant volumes of discarded food, with 48% and 29% of the availability of these products in Chile. Furthermore, we explore the implications of FLW on realizing SDG 2—zero hunger, particularly emphasizing its correlation with target 12.3. The research underscores the potential of its findings to significantly shape public policies and strategies concerning FLW and their alignment with the associated SDGs, making a tangible impact on the lives of millions.

1. Introduction

Food loss and waste (FLW) is a current topic of concern in the academic and political spheres due to its economic, social, and environmental consequences. Food production needs a lot of water and land during the entire FSC, and many greenhouse-gas emissions are emitted [1,2]. Conversely, FLW results in adverse environmental externalities due to the utilization of water and land resources in food production that ultimately go unconsumed [3,4,5]. In the long-term, when natural resources are wasted now, the availability of these resources is reduced in the future.

Factors contributing to FLW vary among nations. In developing countries, FLW is primarily attributed to inadequate infrastructure, insufficient investment in storage technologies, and limited knowledge [6,7]. For developed countries, the primary sources of FLW are often found within the retail, food service, and household sectors of the FSC, which is influenced by many reasons [8], such as burning, food not used in time, leftover waste, personal preferences, or spoilage [9,10].

In 2015, global leaders endorsed a universal agenda for 2030, embracing the 17 SDGs. The SDG 2 of zero hunger states that humanity must end hunger, ensure food security, enhance nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture [11]. This goal connects to target 12.3, which establishes that, by 2030, it should cut per capita global food waste in half at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses [11]. Despite these objectives, by 2021, an estimated 768 million people globally were undernourished, and 2.3 billion people were experiencing moderate-to-severe food insecurity [12]. Furthermore, 14% of food is not consumed globally and is wasted from harvest to distribution, and 17% is in retail [13]. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 220 million tons of food per year are wasted when 40.6% of the people suffer from hunger [12]. These data give an idea of the relevance and importance of these issues.

Chile has progressed in reducing child undernourishment in the last three decades. For instance, the prevalence of undernourishment (average of three years) fell from 4.7% to 2.5% between 1999–2001 and 2020–2022. Therefore, Chile is almost reaching the level of Northern America and Europe, where the rate is less than 2.5%. Nevertheless, from 2020 to 2022, a total of 500,000 people persisted in a state of undernourishment [14]. Furthermore, adhering to a food basket in Chile that is aligned with the dietary guidelines would cost approximately 36.1% more than a basic food basket [15]. This disparity suggests that as many as 27% of the population may face challenges accessing these recommended dietary options. Moreover, according to [16], food insecurity levels increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, from 30% (2017) to 49% (2020). According to [17], the prevalence of severe food insecurity in the period 2020–2022 was 4.1%. When considering both moderate and severe food insecurity, the prevalence was 18.1% in the same period. The rise in food insecurity has impacted every household in Chile, with particular strain felt by those supporting economically dependent individuals, such as children, adolescents, and older adults.

More studies are needed to examine Chile’s patterns and the extent of FLW. However, they are urgent due to FLW’s importance for food security, the environment, and the Chilean agriculture industry. The results of a survey led by [18], with a sample of 311 people in the metropolitan region, showed that 95% of the respondents acknowledged throwing food away from the fridge as normal behavior. Ref. [19] directed a study about FLW in the hake and jibia value chains in the Region of Valparaiso. The research stated that 1851 and 24,824 tons of hake and jibia per year are wasted, respectively. Another study of ten farmers in the Metropolitan Region of Chile concluded a loss of 12,000–25,000 heads of lettuce per hectare [20]. Ref. [21] conducted a case study in a rice mill, estimating a waste of 104.4 tons per year, equivalent to 0.5% of the rice traded by the mill [22]. Based on a study of eight farmers in the Municipality of Melipilla, a waste of between 1.08 and 1.7 tons per hectare of potatoes was concluded for harvest and storage, respectively.

On the other hand, ref. [22] also pointed out a waste of 63.3 kg of bread per household per year in Chile, which is equivalent to 16.7% of the national population’s average consumption. In 2019, a project was initiated to collect data on food loss within Chile’s fruit and vegetable supply chains, specifically focusing on potatoes, tomatoes, lettuces, and raspberries, which are pertinent to the domestic market [23]. Ref. [24] investigated the family eating behavior regarding food waste for a sample of fifteen households in the metropolitan region. The findings revealed that homes, on average, discarded 3.65 kg of fruits and vegetables per week. Ref. [25] conducted a study of household waste and found that 92% of people stated that they waste food in Chile. Finally, ref. [26] conducted a pilot study in a fresh-food market in Estación Central (n = 9), finding that planning and storage represented the leading causes explaining surplus and FW.

While prior research has provided valuable insights into FLW, it has primarily focused on specific product categories, stakeholders, and stages of the FSC. Moreover, most of these studies are from the grey literature with limited datasets. Significantly, no studies have yet explored the potential of FLW to advance the SDGs, particularly in the context of Chile. This underscores the need for our research to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive assessment of FLW in Chile across various FSC stages and food products. Our study will offer a robust understanding of the amount of FLW, its causes, and the benefits of reducing it.

Our article is a significant step towards addressing these constraints. We provide a comprehensive assessment of FLW in Chile, expanding the range of food products studied and considering all aspects of the FSC. We, then, analyze the implications of FLW on the SDGs, highlighting the challenges that public policies and other initiatives must overcome to effectively mitigate FLW. The structure of our article is as follows: a theoretical background on FLW and food security, its relationship with the SDGs, and the patterns and scale of FLW in Chile; a methodology for estimating FLW across different products and stages of the FSC, along with empirical findings and a discussion based on available data; and a section outlining the challenges public policies must address to enhance food security through FLW reduction efforts.

2. Research Background and Literature Review

2.1. Food Loss and Waste

The commonly accepted definition of FLW refers to the decrease in mass or quality characteristics of food intended for human consumption, occurring across the entire FSC, from initial production to final domestic consumption [27]. However, there is no universally agreed-upon definition of FLW. Various definitions and approaches exist, leading to a proliferation of terms that can complicate understanding, measurement, and addressing the issue [28,29]. Following [30], variations in the description of FLW may include differences in scope (whether intended for human consumption or not), timing (pre-harvest, harvest ready, post-harvest), criteria (use, edibility, nutritional value), perspective (environmental, social, food security), and type (qualitative, quantitative). It is important to distinguish between the terms’ food loss’ and ‘food waste’. The former refers to the reduction in the mass of edible food from the production to processing stages within the FSC [31,32]. The latter, on the other hand, refers to food of adequate quality for human consumption that remains uneaten and is discarded after the FSC, including the distribution, retail, and consumption stages [32,33].

Various terms have been explored in FLW, including food loss and waste rate (FLWR), allocation, and conversion factors. The FLWR represents the food loss and waste ratio to the total food production. Conversion factors specify the percentage of edible food, while allocation factors determine the proportion of food intended for human consumption.

2.2. SDG2 Zero Hunger and Food Security

Ref. [34] defined food security as when everyone always has access to adequate, safe, and nourishing food that aligns with their dietary requirements and preferences, encompassing physical, social, and economic dimensions, to support an active and healthy lifestyle. This universally embraced definition underscores the multifaceted character of food security, encompassing its four dimensions: availability, affordability, quality and safety, and stability [35]. According to [36], availability measures the production of agricultural commodities and the on-farm operational capacities, along with the susceptibility to supply interruptions, the national ability to distribute food, and the initiatives in research to enhance agricultural production. Affordability involves consumers’ capacity to acquire food, their susceptibility to fluctuations in prices, and the existence of initiatives and regulations to assist consumers during such fluctuations. Quality and safety involve the diversity and nutritional value of typical dietary patterns, along with the food safety aspect. Finally, stability is defined as the situation when a population, household, or person has access to adequate food at all times. Despite these four dimensions of food security, it is noteworthy to highlight the significance of conducting new analyses considering the continuous evolution of the understanding of food security. Currently, a phase of updating is in progress, characterized by the expansion of the traditional four-dimensional framework. For example, the agency dimension was proposed recently and underscores the importance of people and groups having control over their production and consumption systems; another emergent dimension of food security is the sustainability and adaptation dimension that examines the vulnerability of a nation to the consequences of climate change, its proneness to risks related to natural resources, and its strategies for mitigating these risks [37].

The FSC has evolved into a more globalized, specialized, and intricate system, facilitated by advancements in technology and transportation and diminished trade barriers [38]. In globalized food systems, there are actors connected horizontally and vertically. Transitioning from conventional to globalized agriculture has resulted in greater distances separating food production and consumption locations [39]. This scenario may heighten the likelihood of FLW owing to the extended duration between post-harvest and consumption and the numerous transactions among various actors within the FSC. Nonetheless, it also holds the potential to enhance food security by enabling the linkage of food producers with populations experiencing food insecurity.

SDG 2 zero hunger aims to achieve food security, counting it with eight goals. SDG targets 2.1. and 2.2. address issues related to micro- and macronutrient deficiencies but do not specifically address concerns regarding excessive consumption or the prevalence of fundamental salt, fat, and sugar levels in certain foods and their resultant health implications. SDG targets 2.3 and 2.4 are about food production, focusing on enhancing the productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers and promoting sustainable food-production practices. The subsequent four targets address the implementation challenges essential for attaining the initial objectives, including genetic diversity, infrastructure and technology enhancement, and the development of agricultural trade and markets.

Achieving food security and SDG2 hinges on sustainable food production and conscientious consumption. Hence, tracking FLW can directly aid in advancing the SDGs through various means. Managing FLW enhances food availability [40], potentially bolstering food security. Additionally, implementing sustainable food systems with reduced FLW could decrease food costs. As outlined in [7], considering the significant scale of FLW, investments aimed at its reduction could alleviate the food expense. As exemplified by [40], minimizing FLW or facilitating food donation before it reaches the FLW stage can decrease food costs, mainly if the associated expenses are lower than those incurred by disposing of FLW. By reducing FLW and the expenses related to food production, there is an expansion in food availability within the market, leading to price reductions and, subsequently, an enhancement of food access for vulnerable populations [41]. Moreover, mitigating FLW during the FSC consumption stage enhances consumers’ purchasing power for food, thereby improving access to nourishment. Indeed, according to [42], the primary motivation for minimizing FLW at the household level is financial savings rather than environmental considerations. Nevertheless, further research is required to explore the connections between FLW and food prices, mainly through quantitative analysis [41]. Third, managing FLW entails enhancing the availability of high-nutritional-quality food, addressing hunger issues through increased food availability, and ensuring access to nutritionally superior food options [41]. Fourth, sustainable food systems with diminished FLW can mitigate business investment risks. Consequently, this risk reduction can stabilize food prices, enhancing the reliability of the food supply. Presently, markets are characterized by limited transparency and erratic fluctuations in food prices that often marginalize vulnerable populations within food systems [27].

The adverse environmental impacts of FLW are equally significant, including the squandering of water and land resources and CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄ emissions, contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss [43,44]. As documented by [45,46], food waste contributes to a significant loss of agricultural water, accounting for a quarter of total usage, and results in an estimated global economic loss of approximately USD 940 billion annually. Furthermore, the intensive exploitation of land leads to acidification and soil degradation, ultimately diminishing agricultural yields. Environmental degradation negatively impacts agriculture in a reciprocal relationship, perpetuating a vicious cycle [47]. Climate change, for instance, heightens the susceptibility of food insecurity by exerting biophysical pressures on crops, livestock, and agricultural productivity [48].

The following Figure 1 summarizes the impact of FLW on food security, the environment, and SDGs through various transmission channels. It highlights two main categories of effects: environmental and food-security dimensions. Ecological impacts include the waste of water, land degradation, CO₂ emissions, and habitat alterations, affecting water, land, climate change, and biodiversity. On food security, it emphasizes reduced food availability, higher food prices, nutritional quality loss, and long-term unsustainability in food systems, impacting the four dimensions of food security: availability, access, use, and stability, ultimately hindering the achievement of the SDGs.

2.3. Food Loss and Waste Patterns in Chile

Ref. [49] constructed an SDG Global Rank by assessing the performance of SDG indicators across countries, revealing Chile’s position as 31 among 162 nations. However, the SDGs related to food security have adverse effects. Still, none of them were achieved. Two represent a major challenge, four were assessed as significant, and the challenge remains in three. In addition, at least two conditions may hinder the achievement of the SDGs. In Chile, a disparity persists in the nutritional quality of food consumed across various socioeconomic groups. Ref. [15] reported that following the recommendations of food guides would result in a 36.1% increase in the cost of a food basket in Chile compared to a basic food basket. It implies that as much as 27% of the population may be unable to access them.

On the other hand, in the last decade, Chile has been facing the worst drought in Chilean history [50]. This situation has had substantial adverse effects on the Chilean agriculture industry and the availability of natural resources. Therefore, reducing FLW will play a pivotal role in securing future food supplies [51], enhancing environmental quality, and preserving the availability of natural resources. Table 1 shows the status and trends of food security and environmental SDGs in Chile.

Regrettably, more research is needed to delve into the core factors driving FLW in Chile. Four undergraduate theses were conducted under an FAO project by the Universidad de Santiago de Chile. However, by considering the research conducted in other countries in Latin America or other developing countries, it is possible to get clues about the causes of FLW in Chile. Ref. [52] pointed out general drivers to explain FLW in China that might also apply to Chile. First is the economic growth and the increase in income and purchasing power. Second is the development of agriculture in the last few decades.

In 2022, Chile ranked second among South American countries in GDP per capita after Uruguay. Moreover, between 1985 and 2022, the annual average growth rate of GDP per capita stood at 3.4%, resulting in an income increase surge from USD 4257 in 1985 to USD 14,355 in 2022 [53].

Access to credit is another factor that has increased the consumption capacity in Chile in the last decade. According to the [54], household debt from 2010 to 2019 has continuously increased from 36% to 49% of GDP. Economic growth corresponds with enhanced living standards, encompassing increased food consumption. The available data suggest that household per capita food waste rises with per capita GDP growth [55]. The increase in economic growth contributes to a rise in FLW, as higher income availability typically results in a lower percentage of household budgets allocated toward food purchases. Therefore, it could lead to negligent behaviors among individuals regarding FLW.

Over the past few decades, Chile’s agricultural sector has significantly developed. Between 1990 and 2021, the production of fruits increased from 2.6 to 7.9 million tons [14]. An increase in food production will inevitably result in higher FLW levels, if the underlying causes remain unchanged. For example, if a nation boots grain production without improving inefficient storage technology, FLW will rise accordingly.

Specific reasons also provoke FLW at every stage of the FSC. In Chile, 67% of the FLW of fruits occurred during agricultural production and post-harvest and storage, representing 30% of the total FLW. This aligns with the fact that fruits account for 30% of Chile’s food-production volume. Also, the FLW of vegetables and starchy roots are generated in the first two stages of the FSC. The international literature and national studies suggest the following reasons. To begin with, specific attributes inherent in producing fruits, vegetables, and starchy roots diminish the ability to forecast supply and demand volumes. This circumstance impedes the adaptability of FSC operators to evolving markets, thereby resulting in FLW [56]. For example, during the agricultural production stage, uncertainties such as weather conditions, frosts, droughts, pests, or diseases can contribute to FLW in fruits, vegetables, and starchy roots. This circumstance induces farmers to overplant as a precaution against the risks of not meeting contractual obligations. Consequently, surplus products that remain unsold or unharvested are produced [57]. Second, the delicate nature of numerous fruits and vegetables makes them vulnerable to damage during automated or manual harvest and handling processes [56]. Third, various factors, including bird damage, frosts, droughts, and adverse weather conditions, contribute to the FLW of these products [22]. Additionally, these conditions often result in fruits, vegetables, and starchy roots failing to meet market standards regarding appearance, shape, and weight. Consequently, farmers discard them to mitigate harvesting costs [58].

In the first stage of the FSC, around 48% of fish and seafood were discarded. The main reason for this was catching fish and returning them to the sea, either injured or deceased. As stated by [19], this situation happens due to a need to recognize what FLW is and its importance in the daily work of fishers, fisheries officers, fish cleaners, and intermediaries.

The living standards of the Chilean population have improved due to economic growth in recent decades, allowing part of the population to access a broader range of higher-quality foods. Thus, Chile has seen a rapid decline in poverty, with the population falling by one-tenth between 1990 and 2022, from 68% [59] to 6.5% [60]. This situation involved an equally accelerated reduction in malnutrition rates, creating a favorable economic expectation. Therefore, it resulted in a societal perception of no longer being poor. The way to demonstrate this new socioeconomic status was through the increase in the purchase of goods and food, even if they were not needed, leading to a rise in the volume of discarded food. According to [18], throwing food away in 94.9% of Chilean households is widespread. Prepared foods comprise the most significant portion of household food waste, accounting for 44% of total waste, followed by vegetables (24.4%) and bread (12.9%). The most cited reason (57.6% of the interviewed people) for this behavior was forgetting that the food was in the refrigerator. Moreover, the domestic supply of animal products quadrupled, rising from 0.5 million tons in 1990 to 2 million tons in 2021 [14]. Animal products inherently yield unavoidable waste, including bones and organs. The increase in the population’s prosperity and accompanying consumption patterns may have contributed to a rise in FLW at the consumption stage within Chile’s FSC.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Method and Calculation of Food Loss and Waste

The studies mentioned offer insightful data concerning the magnitude and trends of FLW but are constrained to specific product categories and stages within the FSC. This article broadens the scope to encompass a more comprehensive array of products and food types, including all FSC stages, while also updating the data to estimate FLW. Using the mass balance method [7,61], it examines the impact of FLW on the SDGs and highlights the challenges that public policies must confront in mitigating FLW and its adverse effects.

The mass balance approach entails deducing the quantity of FLW by examining the disparities between inputs and outputs of food, stock fluctuations, and weight alterations throughout the process [62]. This methodology offers the benefit of quantifying solid and liquid food loss and waste across each FSC stage at a national or company-specific level. The data necessary for its implementation are often readily available and easily accessible from national statistics [63]. These advantages make this method well-suited for the objective of this study, as the estimation herein encompasses FSC stages at the national level in Chile and spans a diverse array of food products.

It is important to note that certain food groups, such as cereals, oil crops, and legumes, may serve alternative purposes, such as animal feed or biofuel production. Hence, allocation factors are considered. For the rest of the food groups, all production is assumed to be designated for human consumption. Edibility is determined using conversion factors, which were applied to cereals, fish and seafood, fruits, starchy roots, and vegetables, as certain parts of these foods, such as banana skin, may not be edible. Conversely, it is assumed that other food groups are edible. Figure 2 shows the FLW accountability approach used in this research. The figure illustrates how food-waste flows were calculated at each stage of the FSC based on various indicators. As mentioned, it used a mass balance approach to determine the flows of FLW by-products, considering the amounts of food entering an FSC stage as inputs and as outputs of the quantities of food leaving an FSC stage, adhering to the principle of mass conservation. For example, the total volume of food in the agricultural production and the postharvest and storage stages are multiplied by the FLWR, CF, and AF to estimate the volume of FLW of each stage, respectively. In the subsequent FSC stages, the volume of food in each stage minus the food intended for other purposes and previous estimates of FLW provides the input volume of food for this stage, which will be multiplied by FLWR, CF, and AF to calculate the volume of FLW at each stage.

The subsequent overarching equation outlines the calculation of FLW.

$$\mathrm{F}\mathrm{L}\mathrm{W}=\sum _{\mathrm{i}=1}^{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{Q}\mathrm{A}}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{j}}\ast {\mathsf{\alpha }}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{j}}\ast {\mathsf{\beta }}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{j}}\ast {\mathsf{\gamma }}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{j}}$$

(1)

where

• i = categories of food, including cereals, fish and seafood, fruits, meats, dairy, eggs, oilseeds, legumes, starchy roots, and vegetables.
• j = Stages within the FSC, encompassing agricultural production, post-harvest handling and storage, processing and packaging, distribution, and consumption.
• QA_ij = the amount of food within food group i at stage j of the FSC.
• α_ij = the food loss and waste rate (FLWR) at stage j of the FSC, calculated as the proportion of FLW to the total food production.
• β_ij = the allocation factor at stage j of the FSC establishes the percentage of food allocated for human consumption.
• γ_ij = the conversion factor at stage j of the FSC determines the percentage of edible food.

The quantity of edible food mass diminishes throughout the FSC due to various factors, each with its distinct causes [4]. Food loss occurs during agricultural production, post-harvest, processing and packaging, and distribution, whereas food waste arises during consumption [33].

Hence, the FLW was determined by multiplying the quantity of food available at each stage of the food chain by FLWR, along with the allocation and conversion factors.

The per capita FLW is calculated using the following equation.

$${\mathrm{F}\mathrm{L}\mathrm{W}}_{\mathrm{P}\mathrm{C}}=\frac{\mathrm{F}\mathrm{L}\mathrm{W}}{{\mathrm{P}}_{\mathrm{n}}}$$

(2)

where

• FLW_PC = per capita food loss and waste.
• P_n = population.

3.2. Data

The scope of this study encompasses Chile as its geographical area. Production and yield data for the year 2021 were sourced from FAOSTAT. Population data from the National Statistical Institute of Chile were used for the per capita analysis. FLWR, conversion, and allocation factors were obtained from [7] and contrasted with [55]. Table 2 shows FLWR by each stage of the FSC, conversion factors, and allocation factors.

The methodology and data used in this article possess inherent limitations, necessitating further exploration in future research to achieve a more comprehensive and robust FLW accounting. The subsequent list outlines these limitations:

(i)

The mass balance method yields broader data, particularly nationally. Nevertheless, these data tend to be less precise than the information generated by other methods, such as the direct weighing method;

(ii)

The FAOSTAT data for a wide range of food groups and FSC stages were used to conduct this research. In this sense, not all food groups in the FAOSTAT data are equally accurate and reliable;

(iii)

FLWR, conversion factors, and the allocation factors employed in estimating FLW were sourced from [7,61], which synthesized data from scientific journals, online sources, statistical databases, national agencies, international organizations, and NGOs from 1997 to 2011. For more comprehensive information regarding data sources and methodologies used in estimating FLWR, conversion, and allocation factors by [7], see Annex 1 to Annex 3 of [61]. Moreover, in this FLWR investigation, the conversion and allocation factors were contrasted with data from [55] from 1943 to 2015. The studies cited above aggregated these factors from various regional studies across Latin America. Consequently, they do not pertain specifically to Chile and may need to be updated. This introduces a potential bias in the estimation process. Nonetheless, these limitations can be mitigated by comparing the outcomes with studies based on primary food-waste data [62,63]. Although using factors designed for Latin America as a proxy variable for Chile presents certain drawbacks, it remains crucial to conduct research employing these factors and the mass balance method. The argument above is because the mass balance method offers a broader perspective of FLW composition within a country [62,63]. This larger picture helps focus future research resources on the nation’s FLW hotspot. Therefore, future research could focus on collecting primary data on Chile’s food waste to improve the accuracy of FLWR, conversion, and allocation factors.

4. Results and Discussion

In 2021, Chile’s domestic food supply reached 21 million tons, with cereals and fruits collectively accounting for 52%, equivalent to 11 million tons. Oil crops and pulses constituted only 3% of the domestic supply, totaling a mere 0.7 million tons, marking them as the categories with the smallest share. In 2021, the per capita domestic food supply was 1192 kg, while the findings revealed that Chile’s total FLW amounted to 5.18 million tons. Without accounting for conversion factors, the total rises to 6.5 million tons. Most of this waste, 2.5 million tons, or 48% of the total FLW, was attributed to fruit. With lower volume than the previous group were vegetables, which were 16% of the total FLW and equivalent to 0.8 million tons. The other food groups individually represented a small percentage of the total FLW, 1% to 10% each. The per capita FLW was 295 kg. Table 3 shows the domestic supply quantity and FLW calculated for each food group and FSC stage, with conversion factors, in Chile in 2021.

Findings about the stages of the FSC indicated that the first two stages, namely, agricultural production and post-harvest and storage, accounted for 58% (3 million tons) of the total FLW. The remaining three stages contribute approximately 14% of total FLW. The results indicated that fruit contributed to FLW at the early stages of the FSC, 1.1 (43%) and 0.5 (21%) million tons in agricultural production and post-harvest and storage, respectively. The situation was similar to that of the vegetables, starchy roots, and pulses group, where around 63% was lost in the first two stages of the FSC. Cereals showed a different situation because FLW occurred in distribution and consumption, 0.3 million tons, equivalent to 75% of the FLW of this group of products. FLW in meat was distributed equally among agricultural production, distribution, and consumption, around 30% at each stage. The following Figure 3 shows the FLW calculated for each food group and FSC stage in Chile in 2021.

Comparing FLW with the domestic supply quantity of food, it was observed that 68% of the fruit available for a person in Chile is discarded. Vegetables and starchy roots also showed significant volumes of discarded food, 48% and 29% of the availability of these products in Chile. Dairy products, eggs, meat and fish, and seafood exhibited a notable level of FLW relative to the domestic supply quantity, accounting for approximately 16%. Although Chile ranks 25 out of 113 countries in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), there are still aspects where the mitigation of FLW could contribute to improving food-security levels. The groups of food with the highest FLW in Chile are fruit and vegetables; both types of food are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and chard, as well as fruits such as berries, citrus, and kiwi, are particularly rich in vitamins and minerals. The GFSI pointed out that Chile is under the world average in terms of the availability of micronutrients, such as vitamin A, iron, and zinc; therefore, reducing FLW in these groups could improve the availability dimension of food security. Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity in Chile in 2016 was 28% [17]; in this sense, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can be part of an effective strategy to control weight and prevent obesity due to their low-calorie content and high fiber and water content and because fruits are healthy substitutes for high process unhealthy snacks [64]. Looking for mechanisms to mitigate FLW and transforming this food into consumption could contribute to improving the dietary diversity of the Chilean population, another aspect of the GFSI where Chile is below the world average.

The GFSI pointed out that Chilean marine biodiversity performance is also below the world average. This indicator measures the health of aquatic life represented by a country’s total catch from overexploited or collapsed stocks, considering all fish stocks within a country’s exclusive economic zone. Even though 17% of fish and seafood available for food consumption in Chile has been discarded, the opportunity to improve this situation is provided by reducing fish and seafood FLW.

When comparing estimates across countries and regions, it becomes evident that Chile’s per capita FLW, equivalent to 295 kg in 2021, surpassed the global FLW per capita, which is estimated at 240 kg per year [65]. It was at the level of North America and Europe. Ref. [7] estimated 280 kg per year per capita in North America, while several estimations based on primary and secondary data suggested that, in Europe, FLW per capita ranges from 158 to 298 kg per year [61,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73]. Ref. [72] estimates the total EU consumer food waste averages 123 (min 55–max 190) kg/capita annually. The estimations of [69] were 173 for EU-28 in 2012; ref. [71] estimates that in 2006 EU-27 generated 179 kg per capita. Ref. [73] pointed out an FLW per capita of 257 in 2011 for the EU-28; ref. [67] estimates that, in 2006, the EU-27 generated 288 kg per capita. Ref. [70] pointed out an FLW per capita of 290 kg in 2012 for 2011; the estimations of [65] were 298 kg for Europe in 2011. Variations in the reported estimations stem from disparities in study scopes, system boundaries, objectives, methodologies, adopted definitions, and the inherent challenges in accounting problems [74]. Another cause of discrepancies is the different years of estimation. FLW in Chile is higher than in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and South-East Asia, where the estimated FLW ranges between 120 and 170 kg per year [7].

Regarding the absolute volume, the Chilean FLW of 5.18 million tons represents a small percentage of the global and Latin American FLW. The reason is Chile’s small domestic supply quantity compared with the world’s total domestic supply quantity [14]. According to [65], in 2011, the global FLW was 1629 million tons. Latin America produced 126 million tons of FLW [61]. When comparing FLWR, the global average was found to be higher (33%) than that of Chile (26%) [7]. When examining by region, Chile frequently demonstrated a lower FLWR than the other areas. For instance, as noted by [61], developed regions, such as Europe, North America, Oceania, and industrialized Asia, typically exhibit an FLWR of approximately 35% across the entire FSC.

Examining the breakdown by group of food and stage of the FSC, Chile’s FLW for fruit during the agricultural production stage significantly exceeded that of developed nations like Italy, with 61 kg per capita compared to 18.76 kg per capita, respectively [57]. The reason is the large amount of fruit produced in Chile, of which 54% is exported. In the agricultural production stage, the Chilean FLW of vegetables per capita, equivalent to 21 kg in 2021, was also higher than the Italian FLW for vegetables in the same stage, which is equivalent to 8.1 kg per capita in 2010 [75]. This reinforces the assertion that there is a substantial disparity in the amount of discarded fruits and vegetables between developing and developed countries. This variation can be explained by the fact that developed countries use more advanced and modern technologies than developing countries [55]. Acknowledging that the preceding comparisons may lack robustness due to variations in estimations methodologies, data sources, and data years is crucial. Therefore, researchers and policymakers should approach them with careful consideration.

5. Policy Implications

At a political level, Chile began to address the problem of FLW in 2014, when a regional alliance for the prevention and reduction of FLW was established by 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries [76]. This alliance aims to design a regional strategy to reduce FLW. The first step of the alliance was to create a regional network of experts and national committees to reduce FLW. In 2017, the Chilean committee included different stakeholders, including national governmental organizations, civil society organizations, universities, and FAO. The main objectives of this committee are to facilitate and coordinate strategies with other stakeholders; enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural production systems; provide a practical framework for the development of laws, public policies, and actions with the private sector; and promote academic research and teaching in this area [77]. In this sense, in recent years, diverse initiatives related to FLW have been implemented in Chile (see Appendix A).

Despite this, there are still several challenges to be addressed. First, the initiatives to tackle the FLW are still highly fragmented and uncoordinated because actors have different objectives and tools for addressing the problem. In this respect, The National Committee for the Prevention and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste might fill this gap. Second, the issue of FLW persists across various food products, including meat and dairy items, yet initiatives targeting this problem remain predominantly focused on fruits and vegetables. Finally, there is a deficiency in statistical data concerning FLW, particularly in terms of primary and secondary data-based studies, to better inform public policies aimed at reducing FLW and mitigating its environmental impact.

Nevertheless, avoiding FLW is not an environmental and economic issue but, most importantly, an ethical and nutritional issue. At the international level, the circular economy initiatives developed also emphasize this issue. This is the case of the European Union, which is developing a substantial number of initiatives to reduce FLW that could be a reference framework for Chilean policy, as pointed out by several authors [76,77,78]. The circular economy contributes to sustainable production and consumption along the value chain of the agrifood sector, ensuring responsible use of resources and waste reduction. This is the path to follow for reinforcing Chilean policy along with the collaboration of all stakeholders in which the consumers have a relevant role.

6. Conclusions

The objective of this work was to assess the extent of FLW in Chile, analyze its implications for achieving the SDGs related to food security, and examine the remaining challenges that public policies and other initiatives must address to effectively diminish FLW. In this research, FLW in Chile was estimated using a top-down mass balance methodology, which integrated diverse information sources and categorized the FLW’s major food groups at different stages of the FSC. This work is the first to attempt to estimate the FLW for diverse food groups in the entire FSC in Chile and to link it with the SDGs.

The quantity of FLW in Chile reached 5.18 million tons in 2021. The greatest discard was in fruit, at 2.5 million tons, which is equivalent to 48% of total FLW. With a lower volume than the previous group were vegetables, 16% of total FLW and equivalent to 0.8 million tons. The other food groups individually represented a small percentage of the total FLW, 1% to 10% each. The per capita FLW was 295 kg. FLW was concentrated at various stages depending on the group of food. The FLW for fruit, vegetables, starchy roots, and pulses was in the first two stages of the FSC, while the FLW of cereals occurred in the last two stages of the FSC. Comparing FLW with the domestic supply quantity of food, it is observed that 68% of the fruit available for the population was discarded. Vegetables and starchy roots also showed significant volumes of discarded food, at 48% and 29% of the availability of these products in Chile.

Considering the quantity of FLW in Chile, it becomes evident that effective management of FLW has the potential to directly facilitate the achievement of SDGs related to food security and environment conservation. Management of FLW enhances food availability, decreases food costs, facilitates better access to food for vulnerable people, boosts the availability of superior quality food, and increases the stability of the food supply. Moreover, reducing FLW can reduce the food industry’s negative environmental impact, especially in water, land, climate change, and biodiversity.

Over the last eight years, FLW has gradually become an essential political and social issue in the world and Chile. This increase in concern for FLW, along with the SDGs, has led to the creation of The Latin American Alliance for the Prevention and Reduction of Food Losses and Waste and The Chilean National Committee for the Prevention and Reduction of Food Losses and Waste. However, challenges persist, including the need for coordinated public policies that address all the adverse effects of FLW and the scarcity of dependable statistical data. The economic, social, and environmental impact of FLW is profound. Chile is a country that has recently been facing environmental issues that should be addressed, such as, for example, the scarcity of water due to intense and prolonged droughts. Also, the agriculture industry, especially fruit exports, is vital for the Chilean economy. Therefore, reducing FLW represents a potential pathway to enhance food security and achieve the long-term sustainable development that the world needs.

Despite the comprehensive analysis provided in this study, several limitations need to be acknowledged. The accuracy of the FLW estimates is constrained by the reliance on a top-down mass balance methodology, which may not capture precise primary data, and challenges in conversion and allocation factors can affect data accuracy across different food groups and FSC stages. Integrating diverse information sources poses additional challenges in terms of data consistency, reliability, and comparability. The geographic focus on Chile means the findings may not be directly applicable to other regions with differing agricultural practices and socio-economic contexts, which makes it difficult to compare the results with other countries and regions. Furthermore, the study covers major food groups but may omit smaller yet significant contributors to FLW. Finally, effective public policy coordination and stakeholder engagement remain critical challenges, as current efforts are often fragmented and insufficiently integrated.

In this sense, future research should prioritize acquiring more precise primary data through advanced data-collection technologies and conducting longitudinal studies to understand trends over time. Refining methodologies for better conversion and allocation factors, and conducting comparative studies across different regions, can enhance the accuracy and applicability of FLW estimates. Detailed analyses linking FLW with specific SDGs, interdisciplinary approaches, and the exploration of technological innovations, like IoT, AI, and blockchain, in FLW management are essential as future research topics. Evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies, developing robust regulatory mechanisms, and designing and evaluating awareness campaigns for stakeholder engagement are crucial steps forward. Economic and environmental assessments, including cost–benefit analyses and studies on the environmental impacts of FLW, will further support the development of effective strategies for reducing FLW, thereby promoting food security and sustainable development.