Paris: In a rare show of unity France's parliament has voted unanimously to ban food waste in big supermarkets, notably by outlawing the destruction of unsold food products.

"It's scandalous to see bleach being poured into supermarket dustbins along with edible foods," Socialist member of parliament Guillaume Garot, who sponsored the bill, said on Thursday.

Supermarkets like Carrefour will have to sign contracts with charities for the collection of unsold food products so they don't go to waste. Credit:Christophe Ena

Under the new legislation, supermarkets will have to take measures to prevent food waste and will be forced to donate any unsold but still edible food goods to charity or for use as animal feed or farming compost.

All large-sized supermarkets will have to sign contracts with a charity group to facilitate food donations.