Consumers' attitudes regarding leftovers at restaurants

Abstract

An on-line questionnaire was conducted regarding what consumers regard as leftovers when dining in restaurants, and their attitudes towards them. Female and elderly tend to have a higher frequency of causing leftovers. Corresponding with that, they tend to be less uneasy about leaving food. 30% of the respondents regarded left condiments as leftovers, while for "Otoshi" (dish served in return for cover charge) the figure was not much higher than 50%. Many expressed that one should not excessively try to finish everything on the plate. We need to take these attitudes into account when implementing measures for reducing food waste.