ISO 20001: A New Global Standard to Tackle Food Waste – And How Bureau Veritas Is Helping Shape It
Jul. 16 2025
Food waste is one of the most urgent challenges facing the global food system today. From farm to fork, billions of tonnes of food are lost or wasted each year, contributing to food insecurity, environmental degradation, and economic inefficiencies. Recognizing the need for a coordinated global response, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is developing a groundbreaking new standard: ISO 20001 – Food Loss and Waste Reduction.
What Is ISO 20001?
ISO 20001 aims to provide a clear and structured framework for organizations across the food supply chain to measure, manage, and reduce food waste and loss. Covering the full lifecycle of food products from agricultural production and processing to distribution and consumption, the standard will define key terms, introduce common metrics, and promote best practices for waste prevention and reduction.Currently in the Committee Draft 2 (CD2) stage, ISO 20001 is expected to progress to the Draft International Standard (DIS) phase shortly, with publication anticipated in the near future. The standard is set to become a critical tool in helping food businesses meet sustainability goals, regulatory expectations, and growing consumer demand for environmental responsibility.
Bureau Veritas: A Key Contributor Since 2022
As a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, Bureau Veritas has already developed a BV food waste management system (FWMS) standard since 2022 to support customers in their journey to frame monitor and improve food waste reduction. At the same time Bureau Veritas has been invited to actively join the ISO 20001 working group. Drawing on decades of experience in food safety and sustainability, our experts are contributing technical knowledge and industry perspective to ensure the standard is both rigorous and practical.
“Food waste and loss is not just a supply chain issue it’s a sustainability imperative,” says Lone Hansen Food market Leader Denmark and member of ISO 20001 working group. “Our early and active participation in the ISO 20001 working group reflects our commitment to shaping solutions that benefit both industry and society.”
What the Standard Means for the Food Industry?
ISO 20001 will offer a scalable approach that organizations of all sizes can adopt. It’s designed to help businesses:
Establish consistent measurement and reporting processes for food waste
Identify opportunities to optimize operations and reduce inefficiencies
Align with global sustainability frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Demonstrate transparency and accountability through independent verification
By reducing food loss and waste, companies can not only improve environmental outcomes but also realize cost savings and enhance brand value.
How Bureau Veritas Can Support You?
With a worldwide network of experts and a track record in standard implementation, Bureau Veritas is ready to help food sector organizations prepare for ISO 20001. Our support includes:
- Gap assessments and readiness reviews
- Development of data collection, monitoring, and reporting systems
- Staff training and process optimization
- Independent audits and certification services once the standard is finalize
“ISO 20001 presents a timely opportunity for the food industry to take measurable, meaningful action,”. “The sooner businesses begin aligning with its principles, the better positioned they’ll be to lead in sustainability.”
Looking Ahead
The publication of ISO 20001 will mark a major milestone in the global effort to reduce food waste and build more resilient, efficient food systems. Bureau Veritas will continue its involvement as the standard progresses and stands ready to support organizations on their journey toward compliance and impact. To learn more about how we can assist your food waste and loss management initiatives,
For updates on the development of ISO 20001, visit the official ISO page.