To establish reliable food waste statistics, which can be produced continuously over time, it is necessary to produce data within a robust methodological framework based on consistent definitions of food waste, and its components, and consistent system boundaries of the food supply chain. In this work, carried out within the FP7-project FUSIONS, a literature review has been carried out to understand what definitions of food waste; system boundaries of the food supply chain and methodological approaches are commonly used in studies quantifying food waste. Based on the critique a systematic concept on how to address food waste has been suggested.