An estimated 4,500 tons of food is wasted every day in Saudi Arabia, according to a study conducted by the department of agricultural extension and rural society in the College of Food and Agricultural Sciences at King Saud University (KSU).

The study showed that 30 percent of the 4 million dishes prepared daily during Ramadan go waste, which amounts to SR1.2 million.

Khodran H. Al-Zahrani, professor at the College of Food and Agricultural Sciences at KSU, said there is a pressing need to develop more scientific studies to reveal accurate estimates about the volume of food wasted in the Kingdom.

“The wide availability of food commodities and the high purchasing power in the Kingdom, have increased the volume of food wasted over the years,” he observed.

He added that there are several reasons for the large quantities of food wasted in the Kingdom, including misconceptions about food hygiene, and the abundance of food supplies, which allows people to take advantage of the surplus. He also pointed to the prevalence of cultural practices and traditions that give rise to food wastage.

It is not uncommon to see half-eaten sandwiches, chicken and meat bones, rice, bread and other leftovers dumped in garbage bins, he noted.

Al-Zahrani explained that a culture of excess has developed in the Kingdom due to the ample supply of food commodities and their availability at subsidized rates.

He also blamed banquets and daily buffets served in restaurants and hotels, indicating that they exacerbate the problem, as food wastage is a prominent feature in these events.

He said that lavish food tables are a common feature in Saudi culture, whether during Eid festivals, weddings, gatherings and informal get-togethers. Unsold food items are also dumped along with damaged goods instead of disposing them appropriately, he added.

The professor suggested establishing companies near farms to reuse or recycle surplus in crops and products as one means of mitigating the problem.

There is a dire need to draft legislation and regulations that limit the processing of wasted food and agricultural products in Saudi Arabia. Creating awareness campaigns to educate the community is also another important way to address the problem, he added.

A royal decree was passed to establish a committee that would address the issue of food wastage in a scientific way. The committee consists of members of seven government agencies.