Jeddah - A draft law penalising excessive food waste and protecting resources could see the light in Saudi Arabia.
The Shura Council will debate, on Wednesday, a draft proposal, to reduce reckless food waste and rationalize.
The 13-article draft legislation aims at enhancing social awareness, promoting family-oriented economy and highlighting the repercussions of excessive food waste.
Article 3 calls for the establishment of a national centre for the rationalization of food consumption, with branches to be opened across Saudi Arabia.
A fine equal to 20% of the bill would be handed down to individuals or families who leave food leftovers at any venue.
Official or private establishments would also be slapped a fine equal to 15% of the bill in case they waste food at parties, ceremonies or any other events.
Individuals or establishments would also be handed down a fine equal to 5% of the bill in case they hold throw parties without authorization.
Individuals, families, and establishments would be exempted from paying fines in case they collect food leftovers.
Saudi Arabia has recently been ranked number one in the world in wasting food, according to a report by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
The report revealed that around 30 percent of food produced is wasted amounting to over SR49 billion annually.
The average Saudi wastes 250 kg of food annually compared to the global average of 115 kg.
A large portion of food leftovers is wasted in dinner parties, weddings, restaurants, and hotel buffets.
Saudi Arabia has the highest consumption of grains in the world where the average citizen consumes 158 kg annually compared to the global average of 145 kg per person.
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