Abstract
Background. Food waste is a major challenge to food security, public health, and environmental sustainability. In Iran, a significant amount of food is wasted at different stages of the supply chain from production to consumption, resulting in economic, social,and environmental consequences. This study aims to provide a policy brief by examining the effective factors, consequences, and solutions for reducing food waste, assisting policymakers and planners in designing and implementing practical and effective strategies in this area.
Methods. A structured review of scientific studies, policy documents, and national and international reports related to food waste was conducted between 2015 and 2025,employing the READ approach, to identify the main factors and develop policy solutions.
Results. The results showed that weak supply chain infrastructure, lack of coherent laws,low consumer awareness, and lack of incentive and deterrent policies are the main factors of food waste. Implementing circular economy policies, developing transportation and storage infrastructure, public education, private sector participation, and applying new technologies were identified as effective solutions.
Conclusion. Reducing food waste requires a comprehensive, multi-sectorial, and coordinated approach that focuses on education, innovation, circular economy policies,and strengthening infrastructure.
Extended Abstract
Background
Food waste is one of the most critical global challenges with significant economic, social, and environmental implications. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly one-third of the food produced worldwide equivalent to 1.3 billion tons is wasted annually, resulting in the depletion of natural resources and increased greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and pressure on ecosystems. In Iran, an estimated five million tons of food are wasted each year across the production, distribution, and household sectors, much of which is avoidable. Food waste arises from multiple causes spanning production, post-harvest handling, processing, distribution, and consumption. Inefficient supply chains, poor infrastructure, climate change, economic and social factors, and improper consumption habits all exacerbate the problem. From an economic standpoint, food waste leads to resource depletion and income loss and environmentally, it intensifies water, soil, and energy wastage and carbon emissions; and socially, it undermines food security and equity. Given the complexity of the issue, effective reduction of food waste requires a multi-sectoral policy approach that integrates advanced technologies, improved supply chain management, consumer education, and evidence-based policymaking to enhance resource efficiency and ensure sustainable food systems.
Methods
This study aimed to propose evidence-based policy solutions for reducing food waste in Iran. The research encompassed global studies and documentation without geographical or regional limitations. Database searches included Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, as well as Iranian databases such as SID and MagIran, covering the period from 2015 to 2025. Relevant reports and documents from national news agencies and official sources were also reviewed. Searches were performed using key terms such as “policy approaches,” “food waste reduction,” “policy solutions,” “food waste management,” and “agricultural waste.” After eliminating duplicate and irrelevant studies, eligible articles and documents were subjected to qualitative content analysis and inferential synthesis to identify key policy strategies and effective interventions for minimizing food waste. To transform findings into policy options, the READ framework was applied.
Results
This structured review identified multiple behavioral, structural, and regulatory factors contributing to food waste in Iran. Evidence from national and international studies showed that limited consumer awareness, improper household storage and planning, cultural norms surrounding food preparation, and misinterpretation of date labeling are major behavioral drivers of waste. At the systemic level, weak supply-chain infrastructure, inadequate cold-storage and transportation systems, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and the absence of financial incentives for waste reduction were found to significantly increase losses along the production-to-consumption continuum. Based on the synthesized evidence, four main policy pathways were identified for effective food-waste reduction. First, large-scale public education and behavioral interventions, including national awareness campaigns and school-based programs to promote responsible consumption and household composting. Second, focusing on establishing a national surplus-food donation system supported by clear legal guidelines, financial incentives, and multi-sector partnerships for local food banks. Third, emphasizing economic incentives for industries and businesses, including support for recycling initiatives, tax exemptions for food-waste valorization projects, and voluntary reduction agreements with the private sector. Fourth, macro-level regulatory reforms, such as strengthening circular-economy policies, upgrading cold-chain logistics, promoting recyclable and biodegradable packaging, and developing a national monitoring platform using smart technologies (IoT, AI, blockchain). Collectively, these measures offer an integrated framework to minimize food waste and enhance sustainability across the food system.
Conclusion
This study highlights the urgency of addressing food waste through integrated, evidence-based policy actions. The findings indicate that improving supply-chain efficiency, promoting consumer awareness, strengthening market monitoring, and supporting sustainable production practices are essential steps. Effective implementation requires collaboration among government agencies, producers, retailers, and consumers. Incentives for green technologies, improved packaging systems, and capacity-building programs can significantly reduce waste. Overall, policymakers should prioritize sustainable agriculture, green energy solutions, and the adoption of biodegradable packaging to create a resilient, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible food system.
Practical Implications of Research
Implementing policies such as consumer education and behavior change, development of storage and transportation infrastructure, establishment of food banks and surplus food donation systems, economic incentives for industries and businesses that reduce food waste, and reforming macro-level and regulatory policies across the supply chain can help reduce food waste, enhance food resource efficiency, and strengthen food security and sustainable development in the country.