What term describes food that is available for human consumption but is not actually consumed?

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The term that describes food that is available for human consumption but is not actually consumed is food waste. Food waste refers to food that is discarded, lost, or uneaten, and it often occurs at various stages of the food supply chain, including production, processing, distribution, and consumption. This can include spoiled fruits and vegetables, leftovers that are not eaten, and food that is thrown away due to unrealistic aesthetic standards or expiration dates.

Food surplus, on the other hand, refers to food that is produced in excess of what is needed for consumption, which may not necessarily imply that it goes to waste. Processed food refers to food that has been altered from its original form, often for preservation or convenience purposes, but does not specifically relate to whether the food is consumed or not. Food waste recycling refers to the process of converting food waste into useful products, such as compost or bioenergy, rather than focusing on the concept of the food being available but not consumed.