Freiburg students save leftover food: trend or hygiene problem?

Freiburg students save leftover food: trend or hygiene problem?

As of: October 10, 2024 10:11 a.m

In the fight against food waste, Freiburg students are relying on a creative solution: “banding”. This means that they look for leftover food from fellow students in the cafeteria in order to put together a free meal. While opinions are divided as to whether this is a clever trend or an unhygienic practice, it certainly shows that many are looking for ways to reduce excessive waste.

The idea of ​​“banding” has received mixed reactions from the public. Some students find it commendable to use up leftover food, while others find it unappetizing. Critics question whether picking up leftover food is actually illegal. The answer to this is not as simple as it seems.

Ribbons against food waste

In 2020, food waste in Germany amounted to around 11 million tons, 17 percent of which came from food outside the home - such as in restaurants or canteens. However, a significant portion of this waste could still have been recyclable, which makes the students' initiative seem positive.

In fact, the Freiburg students have established a system that has been in place for years that allows them to put leftovers to good use. They stand at the dish drop-off point and collect what others have left behind. This not only reduces the burden on your wallet, but also reduces the consumption of resources due to unnecessary food production. This is an example of sustainable practices in university catering, which is viewed by many as a social responsibility.

How hygienic is banding?

A common concern is hygiene when banding. Doesn't eating someone else's plate mean exposing yourself to potential viruses or bacteria? However, there are some reliefs in this regard: A spokesman for the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Health emphasizes that the risk of transmission via leftover food is classified as comparatively low. Interpersonal contact is much more important.

Banders often bring their own dishes to ensure hygienic standards. It is also pointed out that the people of Banden tend to practice a form of solidarity and communal use of resources.

Despite the positive aspects, the Freiburg Student Union has officially banned banding since 2016, citing health concerns and legal ambiguities. The issue of liability in the event of health problems is considered complicated. Professor Dr. However, Martin Heger from the Humboldt University Berlin explained that the legal conditions for theft do not exist in this context, as temporarily taking away leftover food does not infringe on the property of the student union.

It remains unclear what the legal situation will look like in detail and whether other universities in the country will tolerate “banding”. Some institutions report that conscious handling of food is already achieved through good portioning practices. For example, in Heidelberg, students weight their portions immediately, which leads to less waste.

In addition, some student unions try to make surplus food available to a broader community through initiatives such as the Fairteiler cupboard in Ulm. In Tübingen-Hohenheim, a new way of processing leftovers is being practiced - leftover dishes are offered cheaper the next day or used for new recipes, such as salads and soups. But whether banding will be the long-term solution to the problem of food waste remains to be seen.

For further information and a comprehensive insight into the topic, we recommend the article on www.tagesschau.de.