THE city is rolling out massive reforms for collection and processing of restaurant waste, including inspections of restaurants’ food production that could result in fines of 100,000 yuan (US$16,000) for those that cook with swill oil.

    Strict penalties will be imposed for producing, processing or selling unqualified food oil made from swill oil, said draft regulations of Shenzhen’s restaurant waste management authority, yesterday’s Daily Sunshine reported.

    Swill oil is collected from restaurant waste and used again for food preparation, involving unhygienic processes.

    Furthermore, the city is authorizing several companies to collect, transport and process restaurants’ food waste. The oil-collecting vehicles must register with city traffic police. The vehicles will collect waste from restaurants at least once a day. The restaurant waste will be collected and transported separately from other garbage and will be sealed during transportation, according to the draft.

    Unlicensed organizations or individuals that collect and process food oil will face fines of 30,000 yuan. Restaurants that give waste to an unlicensed operator will face fines of 50,000 yuan.

    Restaurants that use swill oil for cooking will be fined 100,000 yuan. Police and judicial departments will be involved in serious violations.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)