In China, leaving too much food on your plate isn’t just frowned upon — it’s illegal! 😲 Thanks to the “Clean Plate Campaign,” wasting food can land you in serious trouble.
The Law Explained
📜 Under the Anti-Food Waste Law enacted in 2021, restaurants, individuals, and influencers can face fines or penalties for encouraging or engaging in food waste.
👀 Even “mukbang” videos — where people eat absurd amounts of food on camera — are restricted if they promote wasteful eating habits.
The Origins of the Law
🍚 China has faced food security issues due to rapid population growth, natural disasters, and import reliance.
🥢 In 2020, President Xi Jinping launched the “Clean Plate Campaign” to curb gluttony and raise awareness about sustainable consumption.
📉 It was also a reaction to reports of 18 million tons of food being wasted annually in urban China alone.
Is the Law Still in Effect Today?
✅ Absolutely!
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Restaurants may charge customers for excessive leftovers.
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Fines up to 100,000 yuan (about $15,000) can be imposed on businesses that encourage food waste.
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Individuals can even be publicly criticized or penalized for irresponsible consumption.
🚫 Influencers beware — food challenge content that leads to waste is banned!
What This Means for You
🍱 When dining in China, only order what you can finish.
👍 Clean your plate, respect the policy, and you’ll not only avoid trouble — you’ll also help promote food sustainability. 🌏🥢
