Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution clarifies his views on food wastage and portions. Excerpts:
Your comment evoked a lot of response.
As the Food Minister I must ensure there is least wastage of food and as a Consumer Affairs Minister I should ensure that consumer gets food at least cost. All we are saying is that consumers should know what he or she pays for.
But isn’t there wastage in FCI godowns?
We are also aware that grain is wasted, and we are taking corrective measures to curb it – digitising the whole process and ensuring proper checks and balances at the point of transportation.
Are you making it legal?
We are not making it legally binding. But, we are requesting the restaurants to disclose the portions – number of people it can serve.
An argument we hear is that customers get extra food packed. But, what if the customer doesn’t get it packed – then it is either wasted or reheated for someone else.
Then how will you keep a check?
The consumer will become aware and start questioning. That would automatically serve the purpose.
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