Chinese Restaurant Investigated for Violating Anti-Food Waste Law
Authorities in Yibin city, Sichuan province, have launched an investigation into a Chinese restaurant that challenged its customers to eat over 100 dumplings in return for a free meal. The restaurant’s king of big stomach challenge involved patrons competing to eat 108 chaoshous, or spicy wonton dumplings, as quickly as possible to win a free meal and additional prizes.
The promotion gained attention on social media, but it also caught the attention of local authorities who are investigating whether the restaurant has violated China’s anti-food waste law. The law, which was enacted in 2021, aims to combat the issue of food waste in the country. Restaurant owners can be fined up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400) if they are found to have induced or misled customers to order excessively to cause obvious waste.
Eating contests like this one are relatively common in Western countries, but they can be a sensitive matter in China due to the country’s history of famine in the 1950s and 60s, which resulted in the deaths of millions of people. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has also expressed concerns about food waste, calling it shocking and distressing, and emphasizing the importance of agricultural supplies in national security.
The restaurant in Yibin is not the only one being probed by the authorities over such competitions. Similar cases are being investigated to ensure compliance with the anti-food waste law.
While some Chinese internet users have criticized the authorities for overreaching, questioning whether the food not consumed in these competitions could be given to the poor, others have pointed out the country’s poor track record on food safety.
China has faced various food safety scandals in the past, including the contamination of baby milk powder and the use of gutter oil, which is recycled oil tainted with food waste or even sewage. Some argue that rather than focusing on eating competitions, the authorities should prioritize addressing these issues.
The investigation into the restaurant’s promotion highlights the ongoing efforts to tackle food waste in China. While competitions like these may be seen as entertainment in some countries, they raise important questions in a nation where food security and avoiding waste are key concerns.
It remains to be seen how the authorities will proceed with their investigation and whether stricter regulations will be implemented to prevent such promotions in the future. As the country continues to grapple with its food waste problem, striking a balance between promoting responsible consumption and allowing businesses to operate freely will be crucial.
In the meantime, patrons and restaurant owners alike will have to consider the implications of their actions and promotions in relation to China’s anti-food waste law.
