The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a joint strategy intended to cut food loss in half by 2030. The plan includes changes in product date labeling and a call to adopt uniform food donation practices. It also called for FDA to work with the food industry to develop better technologies that more quickly and effectively remove contaminated food from the market. Better efficiency could reduce food loss and food waste that often accompanies food recall efforts.

Government data shows food is the most common item found in landfills. More than one-third, nearly 100 million tons, of municipal waste stream is organic waste and food comprises sixty-six million tons of that waste. In accordance with the Biden administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, the new draft is meant to prevent the loss or waste of food wherever possible. The proposal is also an attempt to increase the organic waste recycling rates and incentivize food waste reduction programs.

Federal officials are inviting the public to weigh in on the proposal starting Dec. 5. The comment period will be open for 30 days.

In remarks following the announcement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said food loss and waste poses a real challenge to agriculture, food and the climate.

“In order to tackle this problem, and in turn build a resilient food system and mitigate climate impacts, we must explore and implement innovative solutions,” he said. “This joint effort between USDA, EPA, and FDA will enhance interagency coordination and represents a vital step towards preventing food loss and waste, increasing organic waste recycling, and promoting economic opportunity.”