On October 8, 2023, the “City Narratives” WeChat account reported on the recent enforcement activities related to the newly implemented Anti-Food Waste Law in China. This law, passed by the National People’s Congress on April 29, 2021, is aimed at addressing food waste, particularly in the restaurant sector. Market regulatory officials across various regions have been diligently enforcing these regulations, fostering a culture that emphasizes conservation and discourages wasteful practices.

During our conversation, officials provided insights into several significant enforcement actions that have taken place recently.

In Daxing District, Beijing, the Market Supervision Bureau found that a local restaurant, Shizhi Yizu Catering Management Co., failed to remind customers about food waste prevention during an inspection on August 6, 2024. This lapse was identified as a violation of Article 7 of the Anti-Food Waste Law. Consequently, the bureau instructed the restaurant to amend its practices and issued a formal warning.

In another incident in Changchun, Jilin Province, the Chaoyang sub-bureau reported that a well-known beef rice restaurant did not display adequate signage for waste prevention and did not offer guidance on portion sizes during an inspection on August 27, 2024. The establishment was similarly directed to rectify its operations and received a warning.

In Shanghai, a more serious situation unfolded involving the Green Wild Hotel Management Co. Inspectors discovered that staff members were misleading customers about portion sizes, encouraging them to order more than necessary during a check on July 16, 2024. Despite previous warnings, follow-up inspections revealed no changes, leading to a fine of 1,000 yuan.

Additionally, an inspection in Huainan City, Anhui Province, on June 27, 2024, at a local burger restaurant found that no waste prevention notices were displayed. Although the establishment received a warning, it showed compliance after a follow-up inspection on July 19.

Similar enforcement actions were noted in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, and Nanhai District in Guangdong Province, where local dining establishments were also cited for failing to educate customers about food waste prevention.

Officials stressed the significance of public education in this initiative. They pointed out that repeated inspections and follow-ups have led many establishments to promptly address their practices following initial violations.

These enforcement actions highlight the Chinese government’s commitment to reducing food waste, with the goal of not only ensuring compliance but also fostering a broader cultural shift toward sustainability within the food service industry.