from the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |
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JAFSCD is the world’s only community-supported journal. JAFSCD content is open access (free) thanks to the generous support of our shareholders: the JAFSCD Shareholder Consortium, Library Shareholders, a growing number of Individual Shareholders, and our six JAFSCD Partners: |
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Food recalls: An unnecessary and preventable factor in food waste
Commentary by Rubén O. Morawicki (Johnson and Wales U)
Despite not being the primary source of all food waste, recalls contribute significantly to the issue, impacting the circular food system where the goal is to minimize waste and reuse resources. Nevertheless, food recalls produce one of the most significant impacts because of the embedded resources, such as energy, water, fertilizers, and materials to grow or raise, process, pack, and transport the product, with the corresponding impacts on resource depletion and emissions. The type of food disposed of also dictates the level of the impact, with animal products having significantly more impact than vegetables because of the conversion factor of feed into muscle.
And the consequences do not end here. Once in the landfill or a wastewater treatment facility, additional carbon dioxide and methane emissions contribute even further to global warming. Another adverse effect of recalls is that they affect consumers’ perceptions. It has been observed that during some recalls, the public avoids complete food groups, even when the problem was with just one particular brand. The consequence of this avoidance is that products, especially perishables, are not purchased and become food waste.
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Of all the food waste generated, recall-related waste, in most cases, is avoidable. It is just a matter of having the right management system, trained operators, and managers committed to food safety. #recalls #food #waste #foodsafety #foodprocessing #USDA #FDA Read the entire @JAFSCD commentary for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2025.141.026
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A research brief describing a logic model framework for planning a Food Recovery Network chapter at an undergraduate university JAFSCD peer-reviewed research brief from authors Tanu K. Altomare and Colleen Payton (both at Moravian U)
Food Recovery Network (FRN) student-led chapters work to reduce food waste on campus, connect food-insecure populations with excess food, and provide various opportunities for students to participate in activities related to food security and food sustainability. This research brief describes the development of a logic model framework for planning an FRN chapter at an undergraduate university in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and initial outcomes from Weigh the Waste events and a food drive.
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In a given year, about 22 million pounds (10 million kg) of food are wasted in college campus dining halls alone. Read about a how to plan a campus Food Recovery Network in @JAFSCD for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2024.141.027
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First-year hemp farmers' motives and resources to cultivate hemp JAFSCD peer-reviewed article by authors Blake C. Colclasure, Jason Caldwell, Tyler Granberry (U of Tennessee-Knoxville), Christine Rost, and Bailey Gasseling (Doane U)
Researchers have found that the public has a limited ability to differentiate between the properties of hemp and marijuana, often defining hemp as a plant that causes euphoric effects when consumed. When these misattributions exist, individuals who have a negative perception of marijuana likely have a similar perception of hemp. However, the hemp industry in the U.S. entails a storied history, from being a foundational crop in colonial America to being a plant discouraged by the government. Although the successful reemergence of the hemp industry may strengthen environmental, economic, and human health, the advancement of the industry will depend on many factors.
Recent legislative changes have opened new avenues of hemp production for farmers seeking to diversify their operations. With the availability of these opportunities comes the need to better understand the decision-making processes of new hemp growers. SHARE ON YOUR SOCIALS
Recent legislative changes have opened new avenues of hemp production for farmers seeking to diversify their operations. With the availability of these opportunities comes the need to better understand the decision-making processes of new hemp growers. #cannabidoil #hemp #farmers Read the full article @JAFSCD for free: https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2025.141.028
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NEWS FROM JAFSCD SHAREHOLDERS |
NOTE >> Early Bird Registration extended through Friday, March 7! |
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The successful candidate will develop and lead externally funded research and extension programs that support and strengthen the viability of the New Jersey agricultural sector and individual farms. Through active engagement with the agricultural community, the Specialist will identify existing and emerging opportunities and needs, conduct applied research to assess what technical assistance and policies would help farmers take advantage of these opportunities, and provide educational outreach in the agricultural community across different scales of operation, commodities, and production systems.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO APPLY |
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The Department of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology, and Education (AESE) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking candidates for an Extension Program Specialist who will conduct Extension programs, develop enterprise budgets, and create and update publications for the Penn State “Ag Alternative” series. The role includes supporting research projects and offering expert advice on risk management. The candidate will effectively build solid connections with stakeholders and their organizations. This position requires a master’s degree plus three years of relevant experience or equivalent work experience.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO APPLY |
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SEEKING NEW JAFSCD PARTNERS
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JAFSCD would appreciate your assistance in finding one or more new JAFSCD Partners to support its transformative work — emphasizing accessibility, equity, and engagement, and progressive editorial policies such as triple-rigor* and positionality or reflexivity statements. Other JAFSCD efforts include our Food Policy and Practice Briefs program, Voices of the Grassroots essays, author mentorship programs, and the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Editorial Circle and its new quarterly column.
We would like additional JAFSCD Partners to join our current prominent partners:
- Food Systems Research Center at The University of Vermont
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Institute for Sustainable Food Systems
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The Inter-institutional Network for Food, Agriculture and Sustainability (INFAS)
- Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) & the University of North Carolina Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (in a joint partnership)
Please contact Duncan Hilchey if you are engaged with an organization that might be interested in becoming an ongoing JAFSCD Partner (@ US$10,000 annually). He can provide additional information to share with colleagues or you can share this info sheet.
* Credit for the triple-rigor concept goes to the late Christine Porter of the University of Wyoming; see her 10-minute presentation here.
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