Assessment and scenario hypothesis of food waste in China based on material flow analysis

Abstract Field research limits the possibility of clarifying current food waste situation in China. Material flow analysis was used to assess magnitude and characteristics five stages from 2010–2019 by seven selected types. Wheat wasted most at 38%, while milk least 4%. During post-harvest handling storage, processing packaging, consumption, wheat (56%, 36%, 48%), during production marketing, tomatoes were (28% 25%). Wheat, apples, tomatoes, pork, soybeans freshwater fish production. A scenarios hypothesis proved that a 5% reduction each stage would reduce import demand for 7%. This study provides data reference theoretical basis intervention security strategies.