France: Policy Highlights and Opportunities

In France, an estimated 9.7 million tonnes (~10.7 million tons) of food are lost or wasted every year. Meanwhile, about 16% of the population is living with some form of food insecurity, often having to reduce the quality, quantity, and frequency of their meals due to economic or social constraints. The government of France is taking steps to reduce this food loss and waste (FLW) and redirect surplus edible food to those who need it.

Atlas Research: France

Executive Summary

Read highlights of the research findings and our high-level recommendations.

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Legal Guide

Learn more about the legal frameworks relevant to food France's existing laws and policies support or hinder the country's progress.

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Policy Highlights

France research was published in June 2026 and made possible with the support of on-site partners, including Banques Alimentaires.

National Strategy for Food Loss and Waste

France has established a comprehensive national strategy for the reduction of food loss and waste through the National Strategy for Food, Nutrition, and Climate 2025/2030 and the current National Food Program. These interconnected national initiatives set specific food waste reduction goals, assign the execution of these goals to specific government entities, and establish metrics of success to track.

Food Waste Deterrence Policies

France is a global pioneer in passing food waste deterrence policies. All businesses and individuals in France must source-separate and recycle organic waste, and the government is required to provide outlets for organic waste recovery. Also, under the Garot Law, certain surplus food generators are required to propose agreements with food recovery organizations to facilitate the donation of surplus food.

Government Grants and Incentives

France supports food waste reduction through a variety of funding opportunities. These include funding provided through the National Food Program, which includes the fight against food waste as a fundamental, strategic priority, and through the Circular Economy Fund, which supports local governments and business with waste reduction, recycling, and recovery.

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The Eat Better for All program also supports food recovery organizations, and this funding will continue to grow into 2027. Finally, the government awards businesses that are committed to food waste reduction with an official Anti-Food Waste Label.

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Policy Opportunities and Recommendations

Tax Incentives

While France does offer tax incentives for food donations based on the cost-price of those donations, the cap on tax reductions for corporate donors is limited to the greater of 0.5% of annual revenue or €20,000. France can remedy this by introducing increased tax incentive caps for food donations made to food recovery organizations.

Emissions, Environmental, and Food Waste Reporting Policies

Even with its advanced source-separation and food donation requirements, France has not implemented a standardized system for food waste reporting. This makes tracking progress on food waste reduction more difficult.

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Also, France has not yet fully transposed the EU’s Waste Framework Directive into its national law, so the country’s methodology is currently not in-line with EU requirements. France should incorporate the WFD’s requirements and standardize food waste reporting across the country.

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Food Safety for Donations

The European Union (EU) Guidelines on Food Donation clarify relevant provisions of EU food law as they relate to the charitable donation of food within Member States. In France, while the government provides general guidance on food safety issues relevant to food donations, it does not provide direct guidance to food businesses that are required to donate food. France should provide clearer, more direct guidance that helps food donors recover and provide as much surplus food as possible to food recovery organizations.

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France can also explore offering liability protection to both donors and food recovery organizations to reduce any legal barriers in the way of efficient and safe food donation pathways.

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Mapping food donation policies around the world

The Atlas map compares food donation laws and policies in different countries and evaluates legislation across several issue areas. Use the map to see where your country stands and learn from best practices around the world.

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