Half-cup rice option now a must in all QC food joints

MANILA, Philippines–It’s official.

All eating establishments in Quezon City—from lowly eateries to upscale restaurants, including canteens in hospitals or schools—must offer customers the option of ordering a half-a-cup of rice.

Under the “Half-Cup Rice Ordinance” approved by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista last month, first-time violators will receive a written warning from the city’s business permits and licensing office.

Second-time offenders will be meted out a fine of P1,000 while a third offense will mean a P2,000 fine on top of a month-long suspension of the establishment’s license to operate.

Introduced by Councilor Allan Butch Francisco, the ordinance is in line with the campaign of the International Rice Research Institute to reduce rice waste at the consumer level.

Based on data from the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute, each Filipino wastes an average of three tablespoons of rice daily, or 3.3 kilos per year.

The ordinance covers all food establishments operating in the city, including fast-food chains, food courts, caterers and canteens in schools and hospitals.