Who’s trashing dinner? 10 countries that waste the most food

China Wastes about 108.6 million tonnes of food annually which is highest in the world. Per capita waste is  approximately 76 kg/year, driven by its huge population, rising consumptive habits, and retail-household losses.

India India ranks second globally in the country wasting food with 78 million tonnes wasted per year. Per person wastage is approximately 55 kg annually. Some of the major causes of food wastage are storage problems, transport losses and consumer behaviour.

Pakistan Following closely is Pakistan that wastes approximately 30.7 million tonnes yearly. Meanwhile, the per capita waste is very high approximately 122 kg/person annually, reflecting both inefficiencies in infrastructure and high household spoilage. 

Nigeria Nigeria wastes approximately 24.8 million tonnes of food annually. With approx 106 kg/person waste per year, much of it is post-harvest spoilage and logistical inefficiencies before food reaches consumers.

United States In the fifth position is United States which wastes approximately 24.7 million tonnes/year. Per capita waste approx 71 kg/year. The waste occurs at retail and consumer levels due to oversized portions, expiry and throwaway culture. 

Brazil Brazil has secured sixth rank on the list as it generates approximately 20 million tonnes of waste annually. Each Brazilian wastes approx 95 kg food per year. Losses occur across supply chain, plus household overpurchase and food spoilage.

Egypt Over 18 million tonnes wasted annually due to which it ranks seventh on the list. Per capita waste among the highest is approx 155 kg/person/year). Much of it comes from households, market leftovers, and food spoilage in transit.

Indonesia On the eighth position is Indonesia with about 15 million tonnes wasted/year. This makes the per person waste approximately 52 kg. Climate, poor storage, and inefficient distribution networks are main drivers. 

Bangladesh With over 4 million tonnes wasted per year, Bangladesh has been ranked at the ninth position. Here the per capita waste is approximately 82 kg. Spoilage during logistics, poor post-harvest handling, and transportation losses are key issues. 

Mexico Mexico wastes around 13.4 million tonnes annually due to which it has been ranked at the tenth position. Per capita waste approx 102 kg. Losses occur at production and retail levels, plus high consumer waste in households.

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