Analysis on Factors of Food Waste by Consumers: Using Microdata of a Nationwide Survey by MAFF

Abstract

Using microdata of a nationwide survey by MAFF, this study aims to examine the drivers of food waste. We adopt an ordered probit model to examine the drivers. The results statistically show that the level of food waste is influenced by gender, age, job, eating-out frequency, food safety awareness, efforts to reduce food waste, checking food packaging, and food management. The efforts to reduce food waste have a positive effect in reducing food waste, while the awareness of food waste does not exert such an effect. The findings conclude that a gap exists between awareness and behavior.