Online show suspended after its fans waste food

Experts called on government departments to strengthen supervision and management of online shows to prevent food waste following the recent suspension of a talent show after some fans poured milk down the drain.

Liu Junhai, a business law professor at Renmin University of China, said the law on preventing food waste, which was passed on April 29, stipulates that online video service providers could receive punishment including a warning, a fine of up to 100,000 yuan ($15,400) or suspension if they make, release or spread content that boosts food-wasting behaviors.

Against such a backdrop, fans' behavior to buy and pour out milk－rather than drink it－is illegal, he said.