Maximizing efficiencies in the food system: a review of alternatives for waste abatement [during production, processing and consumption, maize as an example]

The biological and technological inefficiencies in the total food system are examined. Energy from sunlight is converted into human food with rather poor efficiency, as only a small portion of the energy available is recovered as food. Maximum efficiency in energy flow is obtained if humans consume plants for food rather than feeding animals for production of human food. The waste generated at each stage in food production and processing is examined and waste abatement alternatives are presented. These alternatives include: changing consumer demand to accept food that generates less waste during production. changing production and processing cycles to be more efficient or accommodate waste products in the environment through conversion to useful products or classical treatment as sewage. Recent advances in reducing the environmental impact of food processing wastes using these technological alternatives are examined. Emphasis is placed on alternatives which maximize overall efficiencies in the food system.