Ban on supermarkets disposing of edible unsold food sought for Kildare

A similar ban is already in place in France

By Ciarán Mather Published 22nd May 2026, 13:00 BST Updated 22nd May 2026, 13:00 BST Ban on supermarkets disposing of edible unsold food sought for Kildare | FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY A similar ban is already in place in France Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.

A ban on supermarkets disposing of edible unsold food has been sought for County Kildare , as well as for other counties.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, Naoise Ó Cearúil, is advocating for a ban on large supermarkets disposing of edible unsold food.

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Instead, Deputy Ó Cearúil wants to see any surplus food that is still suitable for consumption ‘to be donated for human use’.

The proposal follows similar measures which introduced in France back in 2016, where large supermarkets are prohibited from destroying edible unsold food and are required to enter agreements with charities and food banks to redistribute surplus food.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, Naoise Ó Cearúil | Photograph credit: fiannafail.ie The Maynooth-based politician also pointed out that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland generates approximately 835,000 tonnes of food waste each year, with the retail and distribution sector accounting for around 84,000 tonnes.

Speaking further on his proposal, Deputy Ó Cearúil said: “Letting consumable food go to waste is a sin, especially at a time when families are feeling the increase on the shelf.

“Families right across the country are struggling with the price of groceries while thousands of tonnes of edible food are still being discarded every year.”

He continued: “While some of this surplus food is already redistributed through public private partnerships and social enterprises, estimates suggest this only accounts for around 1,608 tonnes of food each year.

“A ban would prevent edible food from being thrown away and create a requirement for large supermarkets to work with food charities and community organisations to ensure surplus food reaches those who are struggling most.”

Furthermore, Deputy Ó Cearúil said that the long-term aim should be for the government to support supermarkets, distributors and community organisations in order to redirect surplus food to people who need it most.

“I believe the state has a greater role to play in supporting supermarkets and food charities to get food to those who need them the most,” he added. “The first step is preventing this food from going to the skip.”

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Related topics: Maynooth Naoise O Cearúil Kildare Dail Éireann Government food waste Food Environmental Protection Agency Supermarket Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.