P5,000 fine on establishments without half-cup rice in menu

THE CITY’s food service industry will now be required to provide a half cup of rice option for its customers after the approval of the Davao City Rice Conservation Ordinance on third and final reading Tuesday. Without this offer on the menu, establishments would be meted up to P5,000 in fines plus suspension and even cancellation of their license or permit to operate. “By requiring those in the food service industry to provide a one-half cup of rice option in their menu we would be able to help minimize wastage of rice,” Councilor Marissa S. Abella, chair of the committee on agriculture and food, said in an interview. But she also pointed out that eat-all-you-can or buffet meals are not covered by the ordinance, only “plate-in” or a la carte meals if offered by the same establishment. The City Health Office (CHO) in coordination with the City Agriculturist Office (CAO) are the lead agencies that will spearhead the inspection of food establishments to check their compliance. — Carmencita A. Carillo