Hebei regulation cracks down on food waste

Hebei province rolled out a new regulation on Thursday promoting thrift and encouraging people to reduce food waste.

It is the nation's first local regulation on frugality since President Xi Jinping reiterated last month the need for greater awareness of the risks posed to the country's food security. He called for resolute efforts to promote thrift and combat waste.

The regulation was approved by the Standing Committee of the Hebei People's Congress, the province's top legislative body. It will take effect on Nov 1.

Although some measures have been taken in the past, wasting food is still common, driven by unhealthy customs such as showing off or competing with others for lavishness, said Guo Hong, deputy head of the Working Committee on Law of the Standing Committee of the Hebei People's Congress.

Guo said the regulation has 37 clauses stipulating what should be done by different groups, including government organs, restaurants, schools and the public.

For example, catering operators and restaurants should provide smaller portions to customers or make suggestions to help them order dishes of moderate amounts, the regulation said.

Restaurants should also provide packing services for customers after meals to allow them to take leftovers home.

People involved in making videos, broadcasting or livestreaming showing excessive eating and drinking on different platforms will be punished.