The European Commission is launching a new drive to cut food waste in the bloc.

The action plan aims to set out one common approach to measuring waste, ways to tackle it and improve the use of “best before” labels.

The EU’s problem is estimated to be huge, with 88 million tonnes of food wasted annually – around a fifth of all products.

It costs 143 billion euros and contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions of eight percent.

Some EU countries have been more successful than others in tackling the issue.

“Speaking about Northern countries they have platforms, each organised many many events in Denmark, in Netherlands, in Italy, in France. We have excellent examples at the moment,” explained Vytenis Andriukaitis, EU Health Commissioner.

“All 28 member states signed (up to) Sustainable Development Goals. And they are obliged to halve food waste till (by) 2030 and it is (an) obligation.”

New guidelines on food donation are also planned, to help food banks and charities – covering issues safety and traceability.