France has become the first country in the world to ban supermarkets from throwing away or destroying unsold food.

 Now large shops and super markets will no longer throw away good quality food approaching its expiry date and  instead donate it to charities and food banks due to which charities and food banks will be able to give out millions more free meals each year to people struggling to afford to eat.

The law comes as a success to grassroots campaign in France by shoppers, anti-poverty campaigners and those opposed to food waste. The campaign, which led to a petition, was started by the councillor Arash Derambarsh. Campaigners now hope to persuade the EU to adopt similar legislation across member states.

Highlights of the new law:

Supermarkets will now be bound to make donations to charities and food banks, failing which they face a fine of 75000 euros and a jail term of 2 years.

Supermarkets spread across 400 square metres area and above will have to sign donation contracts with charities or face a penalty of 3,750 euros.