China Is Making Mukbang Videos Illegal As They Promote “Binge-Eating”

I’m pretty sure that we have all come across mukbang videos and continued watching them as we marvelled over people stuffing their faces. 

Just recently, China has made some changes to their current legislation by adding something extra called the anti-food waste law. It is said that the law originates from an anti-food waste campaign that kickstarted in 2020 by President Xi Jinping who felt that food wastage was a problem that threatened the nation’s food security.

This law bans diners from ordering more than they need to in restaurants and it also prohibits the filming or sharing of “binge-eating” videos, more commonly known as mukbang videos.

Such videos are now being taken down on Chinese social media sites. TV and media companies can also be fined up to 16,000 USD (RM65,800) if they were caught producing or showing “binge-eating” videos. Restaurants will also be fined up to 1,550 USD (RM6,374) if they were caught promoting excessive ordering (which leads to food wastage).

According to VICE, a bakery in Nanjing was warned by the authorities after they were caught throwing out imperfect or old pastries. The sop owner promised to donate them and turn some into free samples.

This is certainly a good move to prevent food wastage but for those who live to eat, this may be a little difficult. What do you think about this? Let us know!

Also read: Parents Accused Of Force Feeding 3yo Daughter In Mukbang Videos To Gain Views For Money