Đaković on International Day for Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: "Food is valued, used rationally, and not wasted"

On the occasion of the International Day for Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, Vladimir Đaković, director of the Food Safety, Veterinary, and Phytosanitary Affairs Administration, called on all citizens to treat food rationally, responsibly, and with respect. "The Food Safety, Veterinary, and Phytosanitary Affairs Administration aims to encourage citizens to better plan their shopping and meals, properly store food, and utilize the food they already have. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), households in Montenegro waste about 54,000 tons of food annually, which is approximately 86 kilograms per person. He emphasized that attitudes towards food are shaped from an early age, making it important for children in families, schools, and communities to learn to value food, understand the effort involved in its production, and develop habits that reduce waste. Before shopping, it is necessary to check what is already available at home, make a list of needed groceries, and avoid purchasing quantities that cannot be consumed in time. Đaković highlighted that by wasting food, we do not only lose the food itself but also money, water, energy, land, and the work of all women and men involved in its production, processing, distribution, and preparation.