CSA Group has released what it says is the first National Standard of Canada aimed at creating a common framework for organizations to define, measure and report food loss and waste across the food value chain.
The new standard, CSA K100:2026, Food loss and waste – Terminology and measurement, is intended to provide organizations with shared definitions and guidance for tracking food loss and waste, an area where differing approaches have made data comparisons difficult and hindered coordinated action.
The organization said the standard establishes common terminology and offers guidance on developing food loss and waste measurement plans, including identifying points in the food value chain where measurements should be taken.
The release comes as food loss and waste remains a significant issue in Canada. Citing research from Second Harvest and Value Chain Management, CSA Group said 46.5 per cent of food in Canada is wasted, with 41.7 per cent considered potentially avoidable, representing annual losses of $58 billion.
CSA Group said the lack of consistent national measurement approaches has been one of the challenges in addressing food loss and waste. The new standard is designed to help organizations identify where food loss occurs, quantify losses and determine appropriate destinations for surplus food and food loss and waste.
The standard provides guidance intended to help organizations identify the causes, quantities and destinations of food loss and waste; measure losses at key points throughout the food value chain; and select destinations for surplus food and waste, including keeping food within the human food system through prevention and redistribution or converting materials into feed or biomaterials.
CSA Group said more consistent measurement could also support efforts related to food security by improving the quality and comparability of data available to organizations and policymakers.
“Consistent measurement is a critical step toward meaningful change. You can’t reduce what you can’t measure,” said Ana-Maria Tomlinson, director of strategic and cross-sector initiatives at CSA Group.
“CSA K100 helps organizations generate clearer, more comparable data on food loss and waste, supporting smarter interventions across the supply chain.”
The organization said the standard is also part of its broader efforts related to advancing the circular economy by establishing common definitions and frameworks that can assist organizations, governments and other interested parties in aligning efforts, monitoring progress and expanding solutions.
CSA K100 is intended for use by a range of organizations, including for-profit and not-for-profit entities operating across the food supply chain, organizations involved in the management or disposal of food loss and waste, and governments and non-governmental organizations at the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal levels.
CSA Group said the standard is now available through its online store.
CSA Group describes itself as a global organization focused on safety, social good and sustainability, with activities that include standards development as well as product testing, inspection and certification.
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