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Field testing food loss data collection and compiling the Food Loss Index in Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Uruguay

Report on preliminary results

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 34 p.

Author Ruehl, D.; Mayienga, S.M.; Fabi, C.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Category Technical study

ISBN 978-92-5-139878-4

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5638en

Synopsis (short abstract) This paper presents the field tests conducted to test the methodology of the Food Loss Index (FLI) – Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 12.3.1.a – conducted in Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Uruguay between 2013 and 2020. Each country report covers the objective of the project, the strategy for measuring food losses, the mapping of the stages of the supply chain for the selected basket of products, the available information on food loss and how data gaps were filled. It provides an overview of the steps used to compile the FLI in these countries, shows detailed results and proposes a way forward. For Colombia and Costa Rica, the design and testing of food loss measurement is incorporated, while for Mexico and Uruguay, a test of the compilation of the Food Loss Index is carried out.The FLI monitors the changes over time of average food losses in percentage terms, considering a weighted basket of prioritized food commodities. The food loss percentages by commodity represent the amount of food that is removed from the food supply chain from harvest up to but excluding the retail level. The guidelines tested are based on the methodological proposal for monitoring SDG Indicator 12.3.1.a, which describes the definition framework, sampling frames and sampling strategies, and data collection methods and instruments to measure food losses at the national level for different stages along the supply chain.

Cite this content as:

Ruehl, D., Mayienga, S.M. & Fabi, C. 2025. Field testing food loss data collection and compiling the Food Loss Index in Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Uruguay – Report on preliminary results. Rome, FAO.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5638en

Language English

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