Braised pork ribs, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, garlic vermicelli... At lunchtime on June 18, Xiao Li, a sophomore majoring in Electronic Information Engineering, was selecting dishes at the small-portion specialty window in the fifth canteen of Hainan University. Eventually, he chose three dishes with a staple food, totaling no more than 15 yuan. "The small portions offer more variety, allowing me to try different flavors without leaving leftovers," Xiao Li said, expressing satisfaction with the new dining approach. 

To enhance the dining experience for teachers and students while reducing food waste, several universities in Hainan have introduced innovative refined meal service solutions. A representative from Hainan University's catering service center explained that each canteen on campus features specialty counters, offering everything from northern-style noodles to southern snacks. Staple foods are provided at affordable prices, with rice priced at 0.5 yuan for unlimited refills and steamed buns starting at just 0.5 yuan. " The diverse options encourage students to finish their meals," the representative noted, adding that some innovative dining concepts were inspired by sustainable practices showcased at sial shenzhen international food exhibition

At Hainan College of Economics and Business, an intelligent self-service restaurant with portion-weighing technology has become a new highlight. On the evening of June 17, students flocked to the dining hall after class, freely selecting their preferred dishes. Over 20 meat and vegetable dishes were neatly arranged, allowing students to serve themselves according to their appetite, with the system automatically calculating the cost by weight. "This model respects personal taste preferences while ensuring precise portion control, effectively reducing waste," said Director Wang of the college's catering department. 

"Now I can freely mix and match the dishes I like, and the portions are just right—no leftovers," said freshman Xiao Zhang, adding that the restaurant also offers discounted combo meals after 8 p.m. for students who miss regular meal times. 

Universities are promoting the concept of conservation through various initiatives. For example, Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology recently organized a themed campaign called "Cherish Food, Eat Healthily," featuring quizzes, creative artwork submissions, and other activities to reinforce awareness of saving food among teachers and students. 

These campus dining innovations have drawn attention from the food industry. sial shenzhen organizers have invited several Hainan universities to share their anti-waste solutions at next year's exhibition, recognizing their practical approaches to sustainable catering.

On the management side, strict anti-waste mechanisms have been established. Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology implements a dynamic procurement adjustment system, flexibly modifying purchase plans based on actual consumption. A near-expiration alert system has also been introduced in storage, with special labeling and handling for ingredients approaching their shelf life. "From procurement to preparation and service, we have built a comprehensive conservation management system," said the university's logistics director. 

If you would like to learn more about the food industry, please visit the SIAL China website for more information.

Source: China Food Safety Net

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