Comment: Thinking about waste

Waste is an important topic — especially when it comes to food. There are millions of people starving all over the world, and it is abhorrent when piles of uneaten food are emptied into rubbish bins.

When I visited Nepal two years ago, I noticed that every single restaurant I went to, regardless of price points, refused (politely) to take people’s plate away unless every single morsel was eaten. I found this to be quite an interesting tactic to ensure nothing gets thrown away (but not as interesting as a local steakhouse giving its leftover meat to someone’s dog... true story).

Contrast that to when you’re out and about in this region, where I’ve had waiters try and snatch my plate away before I have had a chance to finish everything on it! And of course, the UAE is known for its extravagant brunches where food overflows like a waterfall. And whether this is a badge of honour or not, these brunches made this Buzzfeed list: “27 Amazing Things About Living In The Middle East”.

Light-heartedness aside, the issue of food waste was raised at the advisory panel meeting for Caterer’s Food & Business Conference. There is, it seems, a need for government legislation on recycling in restaurants. Apparently in the current setup, even if F&B outlets make an effort to separate waste and attempt to recycle it... it is pointless. Why? A source told Caterer Middle East that separated garbage is often “dumped into the same truck”.

It’s not all doom and gloom. The efforts made by the emirate of Sharjah, for example, have been lauded by many a restaurateur, and wishes have been made that their methods should be implemented across the nation, and indeed, across the region.

The general consensus at the advisory panel meeting also was that while excess food is being donated to labour camps during the holy month of Ramadan, this needs to happen on a regular basis. This is a thought echoed by Pantry Café’s Yana Kalwani, who says once permissions are granted, it will be a great way for F&B businesses to humanely ensure leftovers are not wasted. The Ramada Ajman hotel already works with a charitable association to do the same; good on them.

The other exciting topic on my mind this month is the Caterer Awards. The list of shortlisted nominees will be released this month; so keep your eyes peeled for the announcements on our website!

Devina Divecha, Editor.
Email: devina.divecha@itp.com
Twitter: @CatererME
Facebook: CatererMiddleEast