Food waste (FW) is a current, complex, and widely debated issue in various spheres of society. Globally, about 2.6 trillion dollars per year is lost because of wasted food. Part of FW is preventable, and it is necessary to identify where it occurs. In most cases, FW occurs at the end of the production chain (meal preparation and distribution). Identifying the main food service failures on FW is important for developing efficient strategies for reducing them. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a narrative review of the impacts caused by FW in food services considering the three dimensions of sustainability (social, economic, or environmental). Multiple reasons were identified in this review that impacts those three dimensions, such as the cost of wasted raw material, use of cleaning material, the energy consumption, salary of food handlers, the water footprint, the amounts of rest-intake, production waste, energy density wasted, use of organic food, and food donation. Identifying these aspects can contribute to reduce FW impacts for better sustainable development, develop tools to measure FW, and assist food service managers in minimizing FW.

This study aimed to develop an Eco-Inefficiency (Ely) formula to verify the cost of the economic, environmental, and social impact of waste, applicable to food services (FS). Six stages were performed: identification of the terms that characterize food waste; definition of constructs influenced by food waste; identification of the variables that make up each construct; indicators capable of measuring the impact generated by food waste; definition of the mathematical formula; and EIy pilot test. The formula was based on eco-efficiency but focused on food waste. The constructs were translated into three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. Researchers created a score for the dimensions and the entire evaluation, based on a literature review. Water footprint, cleaning material, food production waste, the amount of rest-intake, and the amount of distribution leftover were evaluated on the environmental impact. The economic dimension variables were energy consumption to produce the wasted food, cost of raw material used in wasted food, and food handlers’ wages for the economic impact measurement. The social impact variables were: energy density (ED), rest-intake (kcal/g), distribution of leftover ED (kcal/g), use of organic food, and food surpluses’ donation. With an EIy application in each item, we have the item’s score in each dimension. The higher value of an item, the higher is its influence on the dimension, allowing us to identify those with the most significant impact in the restaurant. The Environmental dimension presented the most significant problems in the assessed scenario. The eco-inefficiency formula identifies food waste’s main critical points, allowing us to trace strategies to reduce food waste.

Background: Cooking skills (CSs) and food skills (FSs) are essential in promoting healthier eating habits. Eating competence (EC) encompasses an individual’s self-regulation, enjoyment, and positive attitude toward food, contributing to their overall well-being. However, no research has explored the relationship between CSs, FSs, and EC, particularly within the Brazilian context. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between EC and CFSs among Brazilian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1266 Brazilian adults using two validated instruments: the Cooking and Food Skill Confidence Questionnaire (CFS) and the Brazilian version of the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI2.0™BR). Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations were used to analyze the relationships between CSs, FSs, and EC. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between higher levels of CSs and the overall EC (r = 0.417, p < 0.001), with complex cooking tasks showing stronger associations with EC. Contextual skills within EC exhibited the highest correlation with FSs (r = 0.487). Basic tasks, such as microwaving food, showed weaker associations with EC. Conclusions: The findings suggest that enhancing cooking and food skills may support greater eating competence, promoting healthier eating behaviors. Public health programs should consider integrating cooking skill development to foster better dietary outcomes and improve individual well-being.

Home-cooked meals are linked to healthier diets, but assessing cooking skills accurately remains challenging. This review aimed to evaluate and compare available validated instruments to assess adult cooking skills; the Joanna Briggs Institute’s manual and PRISMA-ScR checklist were followed. A search was conducted in April 2024 in five databases using MeSH Terms and adaptations, including studies written without time or language restrictions and with validated instruments to assess adult cooking skills. Reviews, conference abstracts, books, chapters, and case reports were excluded; 1070 studies were identified, and 38 remained after removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria. Eleven different instruments were identified. Some instruments have been successfully adapted and validated in various countries, covering a broad range of skills, such as meal organization, preparation and cooking techniques, providing a thorough assessment of cooking skills. The Cooking and Food Skill Confidence Questionnaire was considered the best available model, considering its items and domains, direct relation to cooking skills, and easy translation into other cultures. The analysis revealed significant variations in the scales used, with some instruments offering detailed assessments of specific cooking techniques and easy cultural adaptation while others focused more on confidence and attitudes.