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Scene in a restaurant in China (symbolic picture): Flyer warns not to waste food
Photo: STR / AFP
In China's catering industry alone, around 18 billion kilograms of food are wasted each year.
State television cites this number in connection with a new law.
This should counteract the waste of food.
Accordingly, in the future, for example, excessive orders from catering service providers can be punished with a fine of up to 10,000 yuan (equivalent to around 1275 euros).
But the requirement goes even further: In the future, catering services will be able to charge a disposal fee from customers who leave behind large amounts of food waste.
As the state television broadcaster CGTN reported, the new law is a reaction to the fact that more and more food is being thrown away in the People's Republic.
Last August, China's President Xi Jinping personally addressed the issue.
The head of state described the amount of food wasted as shocking.
Waste is shameful, thrift, on the other hand, honorable, so his guideline.
The coronavirus pandemic and severe floods in summer 2020 had led to an increase in food prices.
In response, restaurateurs also asked their customers to order fewer dishes.
Leftovers on the plate are good manners
Local authorities also started programs to reduce food waste.
Online videos of people ingesting excessive or expensive dishes have also come under fire.
Food waste in China also has a cultural background.
At group meals it is good form to always leave some food on the plates - otherwise the host would lose face because he has not ordered enough.
In addition, indulging in abundance in China's rising middle class is seen as a sign of wealth.
jok / dpa