Food waste is a growing global concern affecting both developed and developing nations. It is not only a matter of economic loss for individuals and households, it contributes to profound environmental degradation and hinders global food security. Every year, an alarming amount of food is discarded at various stages of the supply chain, including the household level.

Food is basic for human survival. The main reason why food is produced is for human bodies to be well-nourished and healthy. Only safe and nutritious food can sustain life and promote good health. According to Fung et. al. (2018), food safety is a basic human right; and Ababouch (2003) says food safety must be an integral part of any food security program but unfortunately food safety and quality programs have received very little attention in many developing countries.

There is increasing realization that most foodborne diseases are caused by food contamination at all levels of food chains, from production to consumption. It is necessary, therefore, that food produced should be safe and nutritious to meet people’s dietary needs and food preferences for active and heathy lives (SDG2). For food to be safe it must be free of substances that might be harmful to a person’s health. Food quality refers to characteristics that determine the value of food, particularly its nutritional value, and/or acceptability to consumers.

There has been an alarming increase in the use of synthetic chemicals of all types in farming (from land preparation to consumption) in Ghana and other parts of Africa. Volumes of agricultural chemical residues have been found in soil, water, air, agricultural products, human blood and adipose tissues in many places across the world. Pesticide contamination cause a lot of harm to non-target organisms ranging from beneficial soil microorganisms to insects, plants, fish, and birds and are thus very unfriendly to the environment.

Food waste is a growing global concern affecting both developed and developing nations. It is not only a matter of economic loss for individuals and households, it contributes to profound environmental degradation and hinders global food security. Every year, an alarming amount of food is discarded at various stages of the supply chain, including the household level.