China drafts new law against food waste
- 29 December 2020
- 601
Chinese lawmakers have begun reviewing the draft of anti-food-waste law, under which organizations will face penalties for promoting consumer-related food waste.
The draft bill was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and encompasses a number of measures aimed to minimize consumer-related food waste in China. The initiative was designed in support of Xi JinPing’s «Operation empty plate» campaign with the key goal to reform food-related habits and waste behavior in the country.
Under the new law, restaurants will be able to fine guests for leaving leftovers in the plates. However, the question remains — how will restaurants be assessing and measuring leftovers, and what penalties will consumers face?
The new draft law also implies financial penalties for any kind of propaganda or promotion of overeating and food waste. Waiters will be banned from encouraging customers to order too many dishes, otherwise restaurants will have to face fines of up to 10,000 yuan. Moreover, any media or advertising aimed at stimulating overeating or advocating food waste will face penalties of up to 100,000 yuan.
