Govt studying Pak law to stop food wastage

The ministry is studying the food control law of Pakistan, where in marriages only one food item is served in an attempt to observe austerity, in this regard.

Union Food and Consumers Affairs Minister K V Thomas, who chaired a high-level meeting to discuss steps to reduce food wastage at weddings and social gathering on Monday told Deccan Herald: “We have received a suggestion that food item served in social gathering should be restricted on the lines of practices followed in Pakistan. I have asked officials to study that law and see whether we can emulate here also.”

To create awareness

The meeting, which was attended by officials and representatives of civil societies, has decided to form a committee to study all the prevailing laws in various places to prevent wastage of food.

The meeting also decided to create public awareness campaign across the country, beginning with holding of a national level conference of food ministers of all the states in mid June this year in Delhi.

With reports that 15-20 per cent of food is being wasted in the country, the minister said the committee will also look into the Guest Control Order of the 1960s, which limits number of guests at marriages and other events.

However, he said before taking steps to prevent wastage of food either through restricting menu or guests, the government will be cautious that these laws do not encourage the law and enforcement authorities to fleece public.