China to bring in law against food waste with fines for promoting overeating

Inspired by Xi Jinping's operation empty plate', new law means restaurants will be able to charge patrons for leaving leftovers

Xi Jinping's war on waste is set to be enshrined in law, with the submission of draft legislation to China's highest legal committee recommending large fines for businesses that enable or promote wasting food.

In August the Chinese leader said the amount of food wasted nationally was shocking and distressing, declaring in a speech that: waste is shameful and thriftiness is honourable".