Core Viewpoint - The recent incident involving a Shanghai bakery discarding unsold bread has sparked discussions about food waste and the need for better handling of expired food products [1] Group 1: Food Waste and Consumer Awareness - The incident highlights a growing societal consensus against food waste, particularly regarding the disposal of expired food products [1] - Current regulations in China emphasize the timely disposal of expired food but lack mandatory guidelines for secondary utilization [1] Group 2: Opportunities in Expired Food Processing - There is potential for expired food to be repurposed into animal feed, which can provide essential nutrients while reducing reliance on meat-based feed [2] - The domestic market for expired food processing is underdeveloped, with a projected market size of 40.1 billion yuan by 2025, despite a decline in registered companies from 124 in 2021 to 62 in 2022 [2] Group 3: Need for Regulatory Framework - A national framework is necessary to guide the development of expired food processing, ensuring that these products are effectively repurposed [3] - Establishing a platform for the collection and processing of expired food can enhance resource utilization and improve food safety management [3]