I applaud the development of the mobile app 11th Hour to reduce food wastage at food and beverage outlets ("App makers, scientists pitch in to curb wastage"; last Friday).

It is heartening to see that food waste has been declining in the past three years, and is predicted to continue going down.

Food wastage is a concern due to the amount of energy required to produce the food and the amount of landfill space needed should it be wasted and incinerated.

Besides the suggestions in the report, another idea to consider would be minimising food wastage when catering.

Many of us fear not having enough food to serve our guests, and so cater more food during events, which results in a large amount of food left over and wasted.

Perhaps 11th Hour, or another new app, can include features that help consumers plan the amount of food required for their guests. For example, the app Pizza Counter suggests how many pizzas to order based on the size of the group.

In this way, more accurate portions can be ordered, which can potentially help to further minimise food wastage in Singapore.

With the Christmas season coming, this is a timely reminder that each one of us can play a part in minimising food wastage.

Charmaine Ng Sum May (Miss)