When did food waste begin?

Food waste has existed since the advent of agriculture, around 10,000 years ago, as societies began to produce more food than they could consume. However, it became more prevalent with the rise of urbanization and industrialization in the 19th and 20th centuries, when mass production and distribution led to significant losses at various stages of the food supply chain. Today, food waste is a critical global issue, exacerbated by consumer habits and a lack of awareness about sustainable practices.