Concepedia

Abstract

Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods of analysis were used to determine the protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, moisture, and energy contents of food wastes from a large university dining center and two military facilities. Food waste from the service area of the university dining center contained (on a dry weight basis): 14.86% protein, 17.46% fat, 3.23% ash, and 64.50% carbohydrate, and 1.97 MJ/100 g of sample. The average nutrient content of food waste from the service area for the two military facilities was: 17.53% protein, 21.69% fat, 3.99% ash, and 56.79% carbohydrate and 2.06 MJ/100 g of sample. The moisture was 65.29% and 70.81% from the university and military facilities, respectively. Findings from this study can be used in evaluating usage of food waste, such as animal feeding, composting, and bioconversion.