Food waste valorization: occupational, consumer, and environmental safety

Abstract

The valorization of food waste is increasingly recognized as a critical component in fostering sustainable food systems, offering a pathway to transform waste into value-added products while simultaneously tackling the pressing global issues of resource depletion and waste production. This chapter delves into the multifaceted safety dimensions associated with food waste valorization processes, encompassing occupational, consumer, and environmental perspectives. Besides, it elucidates the importance of adopting stringent safety measures through a rigorous examination of valorization technologies, from traditional composting and anaerobic digestion to cutting-edge biochemical and thermochemical conversion techniques. These measures are essential to minimize health risks and mitigate adverse environmental consequences from valorization activities. Moreover, the discourse explores existing regulatory frameworks and operational guidelines, advocating for integrating technical, regulatory, and socio-economic considerations. This holistic approach is pivotal to ensuring food waste valorization endeavors’ safety, efficacy, and sustainability. The synthesis of current knowledge underscores the potential of food waste valorization to contribute significantly to resource efficiency and environmental protection. It also emphasizes the imperative for thorough safety evaluations and robust management practices. These practices protect human health and maintain ecological integrity, facilitating the transition toward more resilient and sustainable food systems.