Uzbekistan to step up fight against food waste

According to a Cabinet of Ministers resolution adopted on 16 September, the period from 2026 to 2030 will be marked as the “Critical Food Security Period” in Uzbekistan.

During this time, authorities will work to guarantee sufficient supplies of quality food products, prevent excessive waste, and promote healthy eating habits among the population based on recommended daily nutritional standards. Food waste will be directed to processing facilities for recycling.

Weddings, family celebrations, and other ceremonies will also be subject to stricter oversight to curb excessive spending and waste. In 2019, parliament approved regulations setting limits on the number of guests at such events, with fines introduced for violations. However, enforcement of these rules has often been weak. In spring 2025, plans were announced to develop new regulations governing ceremonies.

The government has also approved the “Save Food” program, which outlines measures to reduce food waste and curb overconsumption in the catering sector.

Starting 1 July 2026, catering establishments will only be allowed to connect to centralized sewage systems if they are equipped with grease traps to capture oils and fats. These devices must be cleaned at least once a month, and waste products recycled into items such as soap and animal feed.

In addition, catering businesses will be required to install equipment that captures odors and pollutants when cooking with gas or, in its absence, with wood or coal.

From 1 January 2026, Uzbekistan also plans to expand the use of composted food waste as organic fertilizer in agriculture.

Authorities will strengthen monitoring of the harvesting, sorting, transportation, and storage of agricultural products to reduce losses. A broader discount system for expired but still usable food products will also be introduced in shops.

Urban planning standards will be updated to include specific requirements for ventilation and air purification systems in catering facilities.