Food loss in European fruit and vegetable supply chains: The impact of retailers' product standards

• A survey was carried out of suppliers as well as some growers in the Lidl supply chain of fruits and vegetables in order to assess the influence of product requirements on food loss. • On average, 15 % of produce do not comply with the product requirements of the retailing company Lidl. Much of this is marketed alternatively. • Around 6 % of fruits and vegetables in the Lidl upstream supply chain become food loss (non-harvest, animal feed, disposal, non-food items). • Pesticide residue limits and calibre requirements are the most relevant product standards with regard to food loss.