The impact of cosmetic quality standards on food losses in the Flemish fruit and vegetable sector

Overview

Summary report of the research project that analysed and quantified the impact of cosmetic quality standards on food losses and valorisation in the Flemish fruit and vegetable sector. To this aim, a survey was conducted among 300 horticulturists. The research shows than 2/3 of all farmers are not able to sell part of their products in the intended sales channel, since the required cosmetic quality standards were not met. On average, a sales loss of about 10% is indicated. More than half of all misshapen fruits and vegetables, accounting for just under 120.000 tonnes of the major crops, disappears from the human food chain, which causes food losses.