THIS is with reference to the editorial ‘Waste not, want not’ (March 30). It is distressing to note that food wastage has become a routine occurrence in our households and eateries. A huge amount of food is wasted daily, which is criminal in a country where thousands suffer from hunger and poverty.

In these times of hyperinflation and unemployment, obtaining two meals a day has become a daunting task for many. One can find poor children begging for food on the roads and slum areas. And, yet, we have such massive food wastage. Moreover, we often come across the news of people attempting to commit suicide due to hunger, unemployment and hyperinflation. Many of these heart-breaking incidents go unreported.

Hence, it is imperative for the relevant authorities to impose fines on restaurants and other eateries that waste a significant amount of food on a daily basis. Secondly, as consumers, it is our moral obligation to save food, and to pass it on to those who are unable to access nutritious meals.

Wusatullah Rustamani
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2024