China passes law against food waste

A poster is displayed at a restaurant, urging diners to save food, in Beijing, China, March 14, 2021. [Photo: CFP]

Chinese lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill on preventing (防止 fángzhǐ) food waste (浪费 làngfèi) to ensure food (食品 shípǐn) security and put it into force with immediate effect.

Under the newly enacted law (法律 fǎlǜ) by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, misleading or inducing excessive ordering could face a fine (罚款 fákuǎn) of up to 10,000 yuan (about $1,546).

Catering service providers could charge customers who leave excessive amounts of food waste a disposal fee (费用 fèiyòng), but rates for the charge must be clearly advertised, according to the law.

重点词汇 Key word:费

1.<动词 v.> cost; expend; spend

E.g. Zuòfàn kě fèi shíjiān le.

做饭可费时间了。

Cooking takes a lot of time.

2.<名词 v.> fee; expenses; charges

E.g. Tā de gōngzī zhīfù bù qǐ tā suǒyǒu de fèiyòng.

他的工资支付不起他所有的费用。

His wages can not cover all his expenses.

3.<形容词 adj.> expending too much; wasteful

E.g. Kōngtiáo tài fèi diàn.

空调太费电。

The air conditioner consumes too much electricity.