ISO 20001
Food Waste and loss

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Reduce Food Loss and Waste with ISO 20001

Food loss and waste create significant environmental, operational, and financial challenges across the food supply chain.

By implementing ISO 20001, organizations can improve operational performance, support sustainability objectives, enhance stakeholder confidence, and drive continual improvement in food waste management practices.

What is ISO 20001?

ISO 20001 is a management standard that provides organizations throughout the food supply chain with a clear and structured framework to manage, prevent, and reduce food waste and loss. The standard covers the full lifecycle of food – from agricultural production and processing to distribution and consumption – and define key concepts and promote best practices for prevention and reduction of waste.

Food Loss and Waste Management Matters for the Industry

Food loss and waste create significant environmental, operational, and financial challenges across the food sector. Organizations are increasingly expected to:

  • Improve resource efficiency
  • Reduce operational waste
  • Support corporate sustainability objectives
  • Meet stakeholder and customer expectations
  • Strengthen responsible business practices

A structured management system helps organizations move from isolated initiatives to a measurable and continuous improvement approach.

Benefits of ISO 20001 Certification

  • Improve Operational Efficiency: Identify inefficiencies and reduce waste throughout production, processing, storage, distribution, and retail operations.
  • Reduce Costs: Lower losses associated with wasted raw materials, energy, water, labor, and disposal processes.
  • Support Sustainability Goals: Contribute to environmental objectives by reducing waste and improving resource utilization.
  • Enhance Stakeholder Confidence: Demonstrate a commitment to responsible food management to customers, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
  • Drive Continual Improvement: Establish a framework for monitoring performance and achieving ongoing reductions in food loss and waste.
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Who Should Consider ISO 20001?

ISO 20001 is applicable to organizations across the food value chain, including:

  • Food manufacturers
  • Food processors
  • Packaging companies
  • Storage and logistics providers
  • Distributors and wholesalers
  • Retailers
  • Food service organizations
  • Agricultural producers

Bureau Veritas – Your Trusted Partner for ISO 20001

Bureau Veritas has been supporting organizations in reducing food loss and waste since 2022 through its Food Waste Management System (FWMS) framework. Developed to help organizations structure, monitor, and improve food loss and waste reduction initiatives, this experience provides a strong foundation for supporting ISO 20001 implementation and certification.

Bureau Veritas has also actively participated in the development of ISO 20001 through involvement in the ISO working group, contributing technical expertise and practical industry insights. Drawing on decades of experience in food safety, sustainability, and management system certification, we help organizations implement effective and practical approaches to food loss and waste management.

OUR EXPERTISE

  • Extensive experience in food safety, sustainability, and management systems
  • Participation in the development of ISO 20001
  • Proven expertise integrating management systems based on the ISO High-Level Structure (HLS)
  • Practical approaches for aligning food loss and waste management with existing systems, including ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000
  • Global network of food industry auditors and technical specialists

Our Services

Bureau Veritas supports organizations throughout their ISO 20001 journey with services including:

  • Gap Assessment
    Evaluate current practices and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Training Services
    Build internal knowledge and understanding of ISO 20001 requirements.
  • Independent Audits
    Receive an independent assessment of your food loss and waste management system. Maintain certification and support ongoing performance enhancement.
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is ISO 20001?

    ISO 20001 is a management standard that provides organizations throughout the food supply chain with a clear and structured framework to manage, prevent, and reduce food waste and loss. The standard covers the full lifecycle of food – from agricultural production and processing to distribution and consumption – and define key concepts and promote best practices for prevention and reduction of waste.

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  • What is the difference between food loss and food waste?

    Food loss occurs before food reaches the consumer and is typically associated with production, post-harvest handling, processing, storage, and transportation. Food waste refers to food that is discarded or left uneaten at the retail, food service, or consumer stages, despite being suitable for consumption.

    According to ISO 20001, Food Loss and Waste (FLW) is defined as: Food and/or associated inedible parts removed from the food supply chain

    ISO 20001 does not distinguish between "loss" and "waste" as separate categories but treats both as food removed from the supply chain. Organizations use this definition to identify and reduce FLW throughout the entire value chain.

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  • Can ISO 20001 be integrated with other schemes like FSSC 22000?

    Yes. ISO 20001 follows the ISO High-Level Structure (HLS), making it easier to integrate with existing management systems and certification schemes, including ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. This integrated approach can help organizations streamline processes, reduce duplication, and strengthen overall system performance.

  • Who can implement ISO 20001?

    ISO 20001 is applicable to organizations across the food value chain, including agricultural producers, food manufacturers, processors, distributors, logistics providers, retailers, and food service organizations.

  • How does Bureau Veritas support organizations with ISO 20001?

    Bureau Veritas provides gap assessments, training, implementation support, certification audits, and ongoing certification services to help organizations establish and maintain an effective food loss and waste management system.

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