This article is from the Food Science FAQ, bypking123@sympatico.ca (Paul E. J. King) with numerous contributions by others.
Yes. Food safety absolutely requires it. Moreover, a World
Health Organisation study has indicated that in developed countries
with sophisticated storage, packaging and distribution systems
wastage of food is estimated at only 2-3%. In developing countries
without these systems wastage is estimated at between 30% and 50%
 
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