title: Elements affecting food waste in the food service sector.
abstract: Avoidable food waste is produced in the food service sector, with significant ecological and economical impacts. In order to understand and explain better the complex issue of food waste a qualitative study was conducted on the reasons for its generation in restaurants and catering businesses. Research data were collected during three participatory workshops for personnel from three different catering sector companies in Finland. Based on synthesized qualitative content analysis, eight elements influencing production and reduction of food waste were identified. Results revealed the diversity of managing food waste in the food service sector and how a holistic approach is required to prevent and reduce it. It is crucial to understand that food waste is manageable and should be an integral component of the management system. The model of eight factors provides a framework for recognition and management of food waste in the food service sector.
authors.affiliation: Natural Resources Institute Finland, Luke, Bio-based Business and Industry, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Lotta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Heikkilä
authors.affiliation: Natural Resources Institute Finland, Luke, Bio-based Business and Industry, 00790 Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address: anu.reinikainen@luke.fi.
authors.forename: Anu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reinikainen
authors.affiliation: Natural Resources Institute Finland, Luke, Bio-based Business and Industry, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Juha-Matti
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Katajajuuri
authors.affiliation: Natural Resources Institute Finland, Luke, Bio-based Business and Industry, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Kirsi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Silvennoinen
authors.affiliation: Natural Resources Institute Finland, Luke, Bio-based Business and Industry, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hartikainen
mesh_terms: D005387:Finland; D005735:Garbage; D012147:Restaurants; D062611:Solid Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D018505:Waste Management / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D062611:Solid Waste
keywords: Element; Food service sector; Food waste; Framework; Qualitative; Restaurant