The Government has issued a response to a petition signed by nearly 15,000 people calling for a ban on supermarkets throwing away edible food. The petition, launched on February 11, 2026, urges the Government to require supermarkets to donate surplus food to those in need.
Petition Calls for Action
The petition states: "Everyday, UK supermarkets throw away tonnes of edible food while millions of people rely on food banks to survive. We believe this is wrong, and that food that is safe to eat should not end up in bins when many families, pensioners, and workers are going hungry."
It continues: "We call for the Government to ban all supermarkets from throwing away all edible food, and require them to donate any surplus food that is edible and is approaching the best-before-date or with minor imperfections to be donated to food banks and local charities. Ending food waste could reduce hunger, cut environmental damage, and show real social responsibility."
The petition concludes: "No one should go hungry while good food is thrown away."
Government's Response
In a response issued on August 19, the Government said that under current policies, businesses are expected to redistribute extra edible food to people in need. The response reads: "Under the government's Food and Drink Waste Hierarchy businesses are expected to prioritise the redistribution of edible surplus food to people in need before considering lower-value options."
It adds: "Nobody wants to see good food go to waste, particularly at a time when many households are facing pressures from the cost of living. Food waste has environmental, economic and social impacts and the government is committed to reducing food waste across the supply chain and ensuring that surplus food is redistributed wherever possible."
The response also highlights that total UK food waste is approximately 10.2 million tonnes annually, with household waste accounting for 58% of the total.
Government's Commitment
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) emphasised that businesses should prioritise preventing food waste, but if surplus arises, they should ensure the "safe and speedy redistribution of edible food to people in need." Businesses are expected to have plans in place for redistribution.
DEFRA added that food businesses, including supermarkets, are responsible for food safety standards and infrastructure. Where food cannot be guaranteed safe, it cannot legally be redistributed. However, where food remains safe, businesses are expected to follow the hierarchy and make every effort to ensure it is used rather than wasted.
The Government also noted its support for action through WRAP's UK Food and Drink Pact and the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap, and referenced a previous Prime Minister's announcement on May 13 of a "new national programme to redistribute surplus food."
