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Diners in India may face a fine for not clearing their plates
Ever get to a restaurant, realize that you're starving and everything sounds delicious, proceed to order way too much food and then realize when it arrives that there is no way on Earth you can eat it all? While in addition to being wasteful, this kind of behavior can now earn you a fine in India. According to the Independent, diners caught wasting food in Mumbai will be charged an extra 5 rupees (about 10 cents). The rising cost of food and gas prices in India was the impetus behind the idea, which was the brainchild of the Association of Hotel and Restaurant Owners in Mumbai. The city is home to 7,000 restaurants and 40% of residents eat out at least once per day, so the wasted food does add up.
While the very small fine may not be enough to deter some people from wasting food, its backers hope that it will raise awareness about the rising cost of ingredients.
I have to wonder though, will exceptions be made if you just don't like the food? I can only imagine overhearing the complaints: "Not only was my biryani awful, but they charged me extra because I couldn't eat it all!"
Filed under: Food and Drink, Asia, India, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick Dec 11th 2009 2:21PM
Katie, the issue of rising cost of food supplies aside, it is important for everyone to realize that while we don't give a thought to tons of food being wasted in our home kitchens and restaurant tables everyday, there are millions of people who go to bed with a hungry stomach each night. After my trips to Asia and Africa, I've never been able to waste a single grain on my dish. And if you don't LIKE what you ordered, request the restaurant to get it packed for you, and then go find someone to donate it. Definitely in Mumbai, and most probably even here in any US city, you will always find someone nearby who will thank you a gift of a meal.