Lorraine Williamson
Spain has passed a new law requiring all parts of the food supply chain to take action against food waste. The measure, approved on Thursday by the Spanish Congress of Deputies, places legal responsibility on producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), nearly one-third of all food produced globally is wasted—around 1.3 billion tonnes a year. In Spain alone, 1.3 million tonnes of food were thrown away in 2023. That equates to more than 65kg per household.
What the new law requires
Under the new legislation, food must first be prioritised for human consumption, ideally without additional processing. If surplus food cannot be sold directly, businesses should transform it into other products, such as jams, juices, or preserves.
Food that still cannot be used in this way should be donated to food banks, charities, or other social entities. Only when those options have been exhausted may it be repurposed for animal feed, composting, or biogas production.
All actors in the food sector—farms, manufacturers, supermarkets, and hospitality businesses—must develop specific plans to reduce waste. These plans must be regularly reviewed and updated.
Restaurants must offer leftovers to customers
One notable change for consumers is the introduction of a “right to a doggy bag.” Diners must be allowed to take uneaten food home, provided it is packed in reusable or recyclable containers. Restaurants are required to display this policy clearly on their menus. Buffet-style venues are excluded from this rule.
Government responsibilities and penalties
The Spanish government is also obliged to lead public awareness campaigns and encourage innovation to reduce waste. Retailers will be expected to promote seasonal, local, and organic products and to offer “imperfect” fruit and vegetables that might otherwise be discarded.
Businesses that fail to comply face financial penalties. Fines range from €1,000 for minor infractions to €100,000 for more serious breaches.
Debate in parliament but law passes
The law faced opposition and amendments during discussions in the Senate, prompting debate among MPs. Nevertheless, it was approved in Congress and is now set to become one of Europe’s more ambitious anti-food waste policies.
Supporters argue it brings Spain into line with the EU’s wider push for a circular economy and sustainable food systems. Critics, however, question the administrative burden on smaller businesses and how the law will be enforced.
Even so, the move marks a significant step in reducing food waste and shaping future food policy in Spain.
Also read: Valencia chefs cook ugly vegetables to combat food waste