As the cost-of-living crisis continues to grip Australia, NSW's parliamentary inquiry into food security has revealed a shocking truth: much of the food ending up in landfills is rejected by major supermarkets due to strict 'cosmetic' standards, such as minor visual defects or being slightly misshapen.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich, chair of the inquiry, noted it was an 'unacceptable' practice during a time when many Australians are struggling to make ends meet.

'We've got perfectly good food that doesn't meet some of the cosmetic standards of the big supermarket chains being forced into waste because, you know, a zucchini is bent the wrong way or a banana is the wrong colour,' said the MP.

Wastage of consumable food is a huge problem in Australia, with figures from the Department of Environment revealing that Australians waste the equivalent of 312 kilograms of food per person annually. This reportedly costs the economy an estimated $36.6 billion a year.

Strict cosmetic standards imposed by major supermarkets are causing tons of food to go to waste. Credit: Pexels/PhotoMIX Company.

This shocking practice isn't exclusive to supermarkets.

Sydney Markets, the largest fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Australia, also deals with tons of perfectly good food being thrown out, all thanks to the 'unfair' size or shape specifications.

'When you come here and see all that wastage, it's crazy. It shouldn't be happening,' said Zayde Naman from Sydney Imperial Deliveries.

Mr Naman believes customers must also 'address the high standards' causing so much food to be thrown away. 'At the end of the day, as long as it cuts right and it tastes right, they can put it on a plate,' he said.

NSW-based apple and cherry grower Guy Gaeta echoed the sentiment, noting that supermarkets' unrealistic expectations about fresh produce also add to the problem.

He said consumers are being exposed to 'unrealistic' expectations set by supermarkets on the quality of fresh produce, adding: 'We don't make them in a factory, you know… We don't mix them like baking a cake. It's mother nature!'

Supermarkets are setting 'unrealistic' standards for consumers about what makes a perfectly good fruit or vegetable. Credit: Pexels/ Matheus Cenali.

In light of these findings, the inquiry has recommended restrictions be put on the major supermarkets to put a stop to avoidable food wastage.

'We need to make sure there is a clear framework, that there are policies that are enforceable to make sure that there's perfectly good fruit and vegetables not going to waste,' said Mr Greenwich.

He believes this will ultimately 'drive down the cost for fruit and vegetables, making it more accessible for more people.'

Woolworths responded to the inquiry's call for comment, noting that their 'specifications are adaptable and respond to the quality, quantity and availability of produce in the market, which is affected by seasonality, supply and weather.'

Coles, on the other hand, did not comment.

Key Takeaways

• A NSW parliamentary report has recommended that restrictions be imposed on major supermarkets to prevent farm produce from being discarded due to minor visual defects or slight irregularity in shape.
• Produce farmers and vendors have reported that tons of fruit and vegetables are rejected by supermarkets and needlessly thrown away due to non-conformity with strict cosmetic standards.
• Data from the Department of Environment indicates that Australians waste an average of 312 kilograms of food per person annually, resulting in an estimated cost to the economy of $36.6 billion per year.

This story highlights that there is still room for improvement, not just for the supermarkets but also for us as consumers.

As shoppers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing to purchase and consume 'imperfect' fruit and vegetables, even if only once in a while. Not only can this help curb food waste, but it could also lead to savings at the grocery store. Every little bit helps!

Buying 'imperfect' fruit and vegetables, even occasionally, is one simple way that consumers can help reduce food waste. Credit: Pexels/Alesia Kozik.

Members, what's your take on this issue? Do you believe that the government should step in and regulate supermarkets' cosmetic standards, or do you think that there's a valid reason behind these strict guidelines? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

 

[Pommyoz]

I bought avocados from the mis-shapen bunch. They were the most disgusting things ever!
Built like canon balls, and were hard as same. Never ripened, so I opened one, and yep, iut was rotten inside. Go figure.

 

[riskydave]

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to grip Australia, NSW's parliamentary inquiry into food security has revealed a shocking truth: much of the food ending up in landfills is rejected by major supermarkets due to strict 'cosmetic' standards, such as minor visual defects or being slightly misshapen.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich, chair of the inquiry, noted it was an 'unacceptable' practice during a time when many Australians are struggling to make ends meet.

'We've got perfectly good food that doesn't meet some of the cosmetic standards of the big supermarket chains being forced into waste because, you know, a zucchini is bent the wrong way or a banana is the wrong colour,' said the MP.

Wastage of consumable food is a huge problem in Australia, with figures from the Department of Environment revealing that Australians waste the equivalent of 312 kilograms of food per person annually. This reportedly costs the economy an estimated $36.6 billion a year.

View attachment 12114

Strict cosmetic standards imposed by major supermarkets are causing tons of food to go to waste. Credit: Pexels/PhotoMIX Company.

This shocking practice isn't exclusive to supermarkets.

Sydney Markets, the largest fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Australia, also deals with tons of perfectly good food being thrown out, all thanks to the 'unfair' size or shape specifications.

'When you come here and see all that wastage, it's crazy. It shouldn't be happening,' said Zayde Naman from Sydney Imperial Deliveries.

Mr Naman believes customers must also 'address the high standards' causing so much food to be thrown away. 'At the end of the day, as long as it cuts right and it tastes right, they can put it on a plate,' he said.

NSW-based apple and cherry grower Guy Gaeta echoed the sentiment, noting that supermarkets' unrealistic expectations about fresh produce also add to the problem.

He said consumers are being exposed to 'unrealistic' expectations set by supermarkets on the quality of fresh produce, adding: 'We don't make them in a factory, you know… We don't mix them like baking a cake. It's mother nature!'

View attachment 12115

Supermarkets are setting 'unrealistic' standards for consumers about what makes a perfectly good fruit or vegetable. Credit: Pexels/ Matheus Cenali.

In light of these findings, the inquiry has recommended restrictions be put on the major supermarkets to put a stop to avoidable food wastage.

'We need to make sure there is a clear framework, that there are policies that are enforceable to make sure that there's perfectly good fruit and vegetables not going to waste,' said Mr Greenwich.

He believes this will ultimately 'drive down the cost for fruit and vegetables, making it more accessible for more people.'

Woolworths responded to the inquiry's call for comment, noting that their 'specifications are adaptable and respond to the quality, quantity and availability of produce in the market, which is affected by seasonality, supply and weather.'

Coles, on the other hand, did not comment.

Key Takeaways

• A NSW parliamentary report has recommended that restrictions be imposed on major supermarkets to prevent farm produce from being discarded due to minor visual defects or slight irregularity in shape.
• Produce farmers and vendors have reported that tons of fruit and vegetables are rejected by supermarkets and needlessly thrown away due to non-conformity with strict cosmetic standards.
• Data from the Department of Environment indicates that Australians waste an average of 312 kilograms of food per person annually, resulting in an estimated cost to the economy of $36.6 billion per year.

This story highlights that there is still room for improvement, not just for the supermarkets but also for us as consumers.

As shoppers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing to purchase and consume 'imperfect' fruit and vegetables, even if only once in a while. Not only can this help curb food waste, but it could also lead to savings at the grocery store. Every little bit helps!

View attachment 12116

Buying 'imperfect' fruit and vegetables, even occasionally, is one simple way that consumers can help reduce food waste. Credit: Pexels/Alesia Kozik.

Members, what's your take on this issue? Do you believe that the government should step in and regulate supermarkets' cosmetic standards, or do you think that there's a valid reason behind these strict guidelines? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

What I can't understand is why the super markets do it in the first place, a look better than the other supermarket I would suspect, why don't they just buy fruit from growers, who cares what it looks like, if I want perfectly round and perfectly colored Oranges then I will go through the lot till I find them otherwise I will just take some from the top, they taste the same. The supermarkets have cottoned onto this now anyway by selling " Im - Perfect" fruit and veg at supposedly cheaper prices, I noticed our Coles had it for around 50 cents cheaper, R E A L L Y, give me a break supermarket, you are now ripping people off selling produce you that you do not want in your shops at outrageous prices as well now.

 

[Judeben]

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to grip Australia, NSW's parliamentary inquiry into food security has revealed a shocking truth: much of the food ending up in landfills is rejected by major supermarkets due to strict 'cosmetic' standards, such as minor visual defects or being slightly misshapen.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich, chair of the inquiry, noted it was an 'unacceptable' practice during a time when many Australians are struggling to make ends meet.

'We've got perfectly good food that doesn't meet some of the cosmetic standards of the big supermarket chains being forced into waste because, you know, a zucchini is bent the wrong way or a banana is the wrong colour,' said the MP.

Wastage of consumable food is a huge problem in Australia, with figures from the Department of Environment revealing that Australians waste the equivalent of 312 kilograms of food per person annually. This reportedly costs the economy an estimated $36.6 billion a year.

View attachment 12114

Strict cosmetic standards imposed by major supermarkets are causing tons of food to go to waste. Credit: Pexels/PhotoMIX Company.

This shocking practice isn't exclusive to supermarkets.

Sydney Markets, the largest fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Australia, also deals with tons of perfectly good food being thrown out, all thanks to the 'unfair' size or shape specifications.

'When you come here and see all that wastage, it's crazy. It shouldn't be happening,' said Zayde Naman from Sydney Imperial Deliveries.

Mr Naman believes customers must also 'address the high standards' causing so much food to be thrown away. 'At the end of the day, as long as it cuts right and it tastes right, they can put it on a plate,' he said.

NSW-based apple and cherry grower Guy Gaeta echoed the sentiment, noting that supermarkets' unrealistic expectations about fresh produce also add to the problem.

He said consumers are being exposed to 'unrealistic' expectations set by supermarkets on the quality of fresh produce, adding: 'We don't make them in a factory, you know… We don't mix them like baking a cake. It's mother nature!'

View attachment 12115

Supermarkets are setting 'unrealistic' standards for consumers about what makes a perfectly good fruit or vegetable. Credit: Pexels/ Matheus Cenali.

In light of these findings, the inquiry has recommended restrictions be put on the major supermarkets to put a stop to avoidable food wastage.

'We need to make sure there is a clear framework, that there are policies that are enforceable to make sure that there's perfectly good fruit and vegetables not going to waste,' said Mr Greenwich.

He believes this will ultimately 'drive down the cost for fruit and vegetables, making it more accessible for more people.'

Woolworths responded to the inquiry's call for comment, noting that their 'specifications are adaptable and respond to the quality, quantity and availability of produce in the market, which is affected by seasonality, supply and weather.'

Coles, on the other hand, did not comment.

Key Takeaways

• A NSW parliamentary report has recommended that restrictions be imposed on major supermarkets to prevent farm produce from being discarded due to minor visual defects or slight irregularity in shape.
• Produce farmers and vendors have reported that tons of fruit and vegetables are rejected by supermarkets and needlessly thrown away due to non-conformity with strict cosmetic standards.
• Data from the Department of Environment indicates that Australians waste an average of 312 kilograms of food per person annually, resulting in an estimated cost to the economy of $36.6 billion per year.

This story highlights that there is still room for improvement, not just for the supermarkets but also for us as consumers.

As shoppers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing to purchase and consume 'imperfect' fruit and vegetables, even if only once in a while. Not only can this help curb food waste, but it could also lead to savings at the grocery store. Every little bit helps!

View attachment 12116

Buying 'imperfect' fruit and vegetables, even occasionally, is one simple way that consumers can help reduce food waste. Credit: Pexels/Alesia Kozik.

Members, what's your take on this issue? Do you believe that the government should step in and regulate supermarkets' cosmetic standards, or do you think that there's a valid reason behind these strict guidelines? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

Imperfect fruit and vegetables should be sold too.

 

[Ricci]

Many years ago hubby was a primary teacher and one day during lunch a kid came up to throw away his uneaten apple. Hubby asked the child why he was going to throw it away, the boy replied that he couldn't eat it as it was rotten so hubby asked to be shown and a little round bruise was proffered. Hubby whipped out his penknife and cut the offending bruise out and told the child he could now eat it. The boy still insisted he couldn't as it was rotten so hubby said show me. Of course there was now nothing to be seen, the boy was confused, it was rotten. Hubby then invited him to take a bite and tell him if it tasted wrong and of course it didn't so the child was sent back to his seat to eat his apple. I for one moment don't think it changed the boy's outlook but he was confused for a while, he was just parroting from his parents but they're taught this from a very young age.

 

[Aunty Maz]

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to grip Australia, NSW's parliamentary inquiry into food security has revealed a shocking truth: much of the food ending up in landfills is rejected by major supermarkets due to strict 'cosmetic' standards, such as minor visual defects or being slightly misshapen.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich, chair of the inquiry, noted it was an 'unacceptable' practice during a time when many Australians are struggling to make ends meet.

'We've got perfectly good food that doesn't meet some of the cosmetic standards of the big supermarket chains being forced into waste because, you know, a zucchini is bent the wrong way or a banana is the wrong colour,' said the MP.

Wastage of consumable food is a huge problem in Australia, with figures from the Department of Environment revealing that Australians waste the equivalent of 312 kilograms of food per person annually. This reportedly costs the economy an estimated $36.6 billion a year.

View attachment 12114

Strict cosmetic standards imposed by major supermarkets are causing tons of food to go to waste. Credit: Pexels/PhotoMIX Company.

This shocking practice isn't exclusive to supermarkets.

Sydney Markets, the largest fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Australia, also deals with tons of perfectly good food being thrown out, all thanks to the 'unfair' size or shape specifications.

'When you come here and see all that wastage, it's crazy. It shouldn't be happening,' said Zayde Naman from Sydney Imperial Deliveries.

Mr Naman believes customers must also 'address the high standards' causing so much food to be thrown away. 'At the end of the day, as long as it cuts right and it tastes right, they can put it on a plate,' he said.

NSW-based apple and cherry grower Guy Gaeta echoed the sentiment, noting that supermarkets' unrealistic expectations about fresh produce also add to the problem.

He said consumers are being exposed to 'unrealistic' expectations set by supermarkets on the quality of fresh produce, adding: 'We don't make them in a factory, you know… We don't mix them like baking a cake. It's mother nature!'

View attachment 12115

Supermarkets are setting 'unrealistic' standards for consumers about what makes a perfectly good fruit or vegetable. Credit: Pexels/ Matheus Cenali.

In light of these findings, the inquiry has recommended restrictions be put on the major supermarkets to put a stop to avoidable food wastage.

'We need to make sure there is a clear framework, that there are policies that are enforceable to make sure that there's perfectly good fruit and vegetables not going to waste,' said Mr Greenwich.

He believes this will ultimately 'drive down the cost for fruit and vegetables, making it more accessible for more people.'

Woolworths responded to the inquiry's call for comment, noting that their 'specifications are adaptable and respond to the quality, quantity and availability of produce in the market, which is affected by seasonality, supply and weather.'

Coles, on the other hand, did not comment.

Key Takeaways

• A NSW parliamentary report has recommended that restrictions be imposed on major supermarkets to prevent farm produce from being discarded due to minor visual defects or slight irregularity in shape.
• Produce farmers and vendors have reported that tons of fruit and vegetables are rejected by supermarkets and needlessly thrown away due to non-conformity with strict cosmetic standards.
• Data from the Department of Environment indicates that Australians waste an average of 312 kilograms of food per person annually, resulting in an estimated cost to the economy of $36.6 billion per year.

This story highlights that there is still room for improvement, not just for the supermarkets but also for us as consumers.

As shoppers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing to purchase and consume 'imperfect' fruit and vegetables, even if only once in a while. Not only can this help curb food waste, but it could also lead to savings at the grocery store. Every little bit helps!

View attachment 12116

Buying 'imperfect' fruit and vegetables, even occasionally, is one simple way that consumers can help reduce food waste. Credit: Pexels/Alesia Kozik.

Members, what's your take on this issue? Do you believe that the government should step in and regulate supermarkets' cosmetic standards, or do you think that there's a valid reason behind these strict guidelines? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

Woolworths already have imperfect fruit and vegetables but they are still too expensive. They should be a lot cheaper.