About 400 eateries have joined the Environmental Protection Department's Food Wise Eateries Scheme to show their support for a "food wise" culture in Hong Kong.
The scheme encourages restaurants and their customers to join forces to reduce waste at source.
Launching the scheme today, Secretary for the Environment KS Wong noted that food waste accounted for nearly 40% of the city's total solid waste dumped in landfills.
He also thanked the local food and beverage sector and hotels for supporting the scheme by taking the lead in adopting food waste reduction measures and offering portioned meals.
Mr Wong pointed out that the eateries could save on their operating costs by participating in the scheme, but that the Government has no plans to provide them with subsidies at this stage.
To obtain Silver Class status, participating outlets must convey the "food wise" message to diners, encourage them to eat all the food they have ordered or take away leftovers, and adopt food portioning options or food waste-reduction measures.
In addition to the Silver Class requirements, Gold Class eateries should adopt at least three more measures, including strengthening management and commitment, conducting training and promotion, paying attention to food processing or implementing food donation and waste recycling.
More than 100 representatives from the participating eateries received certificates today in recognition of their support for the Food Wise Hong Kong Campaign.
It is hoped that through the city-wide campaign, food waste can be reduced by five to 10% by 2017-18.
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