The legislative proposal concerning the prevention of food loss and waste was given a first reading by the MPs. The bill regulates the efficient consumption of safe food, including of food products whose use-by date or period of validity is close to expiry, IPN reports.

“Approximately one third of all the food products worldwide is wasted or lost and this represents important pressure exerted on natural resources. For the Republic of Moldova, this problem has also a socioeconomic undertone. That’s why we should facilitate the redistribution of the food surplus so that the safe food products could reach those who need them the most,” said Minister of Economy Sergiu Gaibu.

The food waste prevention measures stipulated in the document refer to the sale of food products on offer or at a discount, transfer of food, by donation, to beneficiary organizations or directly to end users. The food business operators will decide themselves the measures aimed at preventing food loss and waste.

According to PAS MP Lilian Carp, the bill is designed to ensure normality as regards food waste, as in the European states. He inquired if the bill allows the products with a period of validity close to expiry to be reprocessed and sold again. Sergiu Gaibu said the bill does not change the regulations concerning food safety and those who store food products are obliged to meet all the requirements and to have the necessary sanitary-veterinary certificates.

BCS MP Radu Mudreac asked if the donation of food products whose use-by date is close to expiry will not lead to increased risks of poisoning. The minister said that if the products reached the destination already expired, the operator is obliged to destroy them and not to donate them.

The bill was drafted by the Government with the assistance of the World Bank. It is to be given a second reading.