Managing food waste, improving food safety? The case of gutter oil in China

Abstract

In recent years there has been growing public concern in response to food safety problems in P.R. China. The discussion has focused on the widespread overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which has implications for food safety. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of food waste on food safety. The increasing urbanization of mainland China and the rising affluence of its citizens has led to a change in dietary habits and consumption patterns. This in turn has led to an increase in food waste generation, greater contamination of the environment and more severe food safety risks. To review China’s food waste management strategies, this chapter presents the case study of “gutter oil” (illegal cooking oil from leftovers or used oil and animal parts). It finds that the increase in food waste has had consequences for environmental pollution and health as a result of poor environmental decision making, insufficient food safety standards and non-transparent food labeling.