Photo: infozakon.kz
Uzbekistan has designated 2026–2030 as the “Food Security Period.” Over these five years, authorities plan to step up campaigns promoting careful use of food and to reduce food waste, Gazeta.uz reported, citing a government decree that took effect on September 17.
The program outlines measures to:
· ensure the population has access to sufficient quality food,
· prevent wasteful consumption,
· raise awareness among children and adults about healthy diets and food conservation,
· develop food waste recycling systems.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved an implementation plan for the “Rational Consumption” (Save Food) program, aimed directly at reducing food waste and curbing wastefulness in the catering sector.
Starting July 1, 2026, food establishments will be allowed to connect to centralized sewage systems only if they install grease traps. Owners of cafés and restaurants will be required to clean this equipment monthly and send the waste for processing and disposal. Such secondary raw materials could be used to produce soap, animal feed, and other products.
Catering businesses using gas, firewood, or coal for cooking must also install devices to capture pollutants and odors, in a bid to reduce air pollution. Later, urban planning regulations will include new requirements for ventilation and air filtration systems in restaurants and similar facilities.
From January 1, 2027, the use of organic fertilizers derived from food waste will be expanded for crop cultivation.
To reduce losses in agricultural production, Uzbekistan will introduce monitoring of supply chains from harvest to consumer. Authorities plan to track entrepreneurs’ activities at stages such as harvesting, packaging, loading, transport, and storage.
Shops will also expand discount systems for food products nearing their expiration date.
The decree additionally calls for stricter enforcement of existing rules on weddings and other family celebrations. Regulations approved in 2020 limited the number of guests, but violations have been widespread. This year, the government announced plans to create a new framework for regulating such events.
