Mandatory half-rice in all food establishments eyed by lawmaker

A bill mandating food establishments to make half-cup of rice as an option for customers has been filed in the House of Representatives.

House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin of Iloilo, a former Health Secretary, made the proposal under her House Bill 9536 titled Rice Waste Reduction Act of 2023.

“This bill will minimize food waste, promote balanced and sustainable eating habits and ensuring healthier meal portions,” Garin said in a statement.

"Marami ang nasasyang na kanin na dapat mas marami ang pwedeng makinabang,” added Garin.

(A lot of rice are being wasted when more people should benefit from it.)

The bill provides that establishments that fail to abide by the proposed law will be fined P10,000 for the first offense, P20,000 for the second offense, and P30,000 for the third offense.

Garin also cited 2015 data from the Philippine Rice Research Institute which showed that the country has a total rice waste of P7.2 billion.

The same report showed that 46 cities in the country are already implementing the half-cup of rice serving option, including Quezon City, Manila, Davao, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Baguio, and Iloilo.

The explanatory note on Garin’s measure said that the bill envisions a future where individuals are more conscious of their food choices, establishments prioritize responsible serving practices, and the society with a sustainable and balanced approach to food consumption.

"It is high time to implement this measure nationwide as it can play a pivotal role in addressing the country's rice self-sufficiency goals," Garin said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News