Food waste management in Lebanese hospital food services: Findings from a first-of-its-kind cross-sectional study in the Arab region

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101127
• Publication Date: 2024-04-04T01:05:03Z
• Authors: Hussein F. Hassan; Maroun Khattar; Ferial Fattouh; Dana Malli; Esraa Antar; Jana El Cheikh Mo...; Nour Badreddine; Sami El Khatib; Mohamad G. Abiad; Maha Hoteit
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Food Waste

Assessing food waste management in hospitals is crucial for establishing a baseline model of the impact reduction strategies and monitoring progress. Limited data exists on measuring managing hospitals, emphasizing need comprehensive assessment country. This study sought to assess protocols different types services at Lebanese hospitals. observational, descriptive, cross-sectional sampled 32 dietitians Hospitals using convenience sampling technique, who were interviewed complete questionnaire. Frequencies percentages obtained through simple statistics. Study findings showed that, 81.3% was from patient's tray, 66.7% expired prepackaged food, 58.1% hospital cafeterias, 48.4% expired-unconsumed cafeteria food. The aforementioned mixed with general waste. None incorporates composting or anaerobic digestion due financial issues, but 18 are open considering these methods. About 85% adopt approaches isolated patients. Only 18.8% had external contractors management, among which 9.4% mentioned contract. rely garbage disposal as lacking effective strategies, such digestion. underscores urgent improved measures wake-up call policymakers robust approach formulating policies.