(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-08-06 15:07

China's first industry standard targeting catering companies will take effect on December 1, which will discourage the use of disposable tableware, according to the China Cuisine Association.

The rules are aimed to establish industry standards, improve food safety, and help catering enterprises better manage their businesses.

These new norms are suitable for restaurants and drink shops, and are not compulsory. They elaborate on aspects such as location, facilities, and hygiene of catering enterprises. Throwaway chopsticks for example, currently in widespread use, are discouraged. Charges for separate rooms, minimum consumption, and opening bottles are also targeted.

The head of a prestigious food shop in Beijing said his shop could go without throwaway chopsticks, and restaurants around Beijing are preparing for the new norms.