Food vloggers who glorify binge-eating in live streams face being banned, websites who publish such acts will be warned and face being shut down if they repeat the act under a sweeping new law trying to reduce food wastage in China.
The Anti-Food Waste law reported by Malay Mail, citing Chinese news agency Xinhua, said the recently-passed law aims to stop food waste. In Australia, 7.3 million tonnes of food is wasted annually – 33% from homes, 33% from farms and 33% from the food industry, according to OzHarvest. It is a global problem.
China is wanting to safeguard its food supply for its increasingly urbanised population of 1.4 billion people and the law states that catering providers could charge a disposal fee on customers who leave excessive amounts of food on their plates. Restauranteurs and café owners must explain the disposal fee to customers and are required to remind customers of being frugal with food.
Those who are found guilty will receive a warning and can be fined up to 10,000 yuan ($2,000) for repeat offences.
Under the law, local governments will also be required to inform the public on the developments of their anti-food waste work annually and also propose measures to increase their efforts.
Should more be done about food waste in Australia? If this story raises concerns for you, we urge you to contact the Butterfly Foundation.
