Four tons of fried rice is no problem for 300 cooks simultaneously cooking in Jiangsu province on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Over 300 professional cooks and cooking school apprentices in Yangzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, earned themselves a place in the Guinness World Records, when they simultaneously cooked at least four tons of Yangzhou Fried Rice, a time-honored local food. However, a considerable portion of rice was later deemed inedible and was reportedly fed to pigs, with the rest being offered to some schools and enterprises as planned. Comments:

For the Yangzhou officials concerned, the record-setting rice frying involving some 300 cooks was a sensational success and even a major political achievement, because it may make the city known by more. But the big waste of food deserves no applause at all, and astonished the public more than the four tons of fried rice did. The costly "world record" is unlikely to promote the cuisine's image.

Beijing News, Oct 25

In Yangzhou's case, what is even more noteworthy than the squandered rice is that some local officials still resort to such promotional activities to make their resumes look better. The four tons of fried rice would not have been wasted if under proper management. The promotion might have worked had it focused on food quality, not all the lavish hype.

rednet.cn, Oct 25

Admittedly, Yangzhou's official "giant pot of rice" promotion of its local food did impress many. Yet, a large amount of the rice was fed to pigs, revealing the false perception of political achievements that persists among some local officials, and dealing an "unexpected" blow to the flamboyant promotion as well. A city's image can only be improved by the government that listens to and acts on public opinions.

cnhubei.com, Oct 25

It is also important to find out whether the Yangzhou government or private enterprises launched the ill-considered promotion, which is a waste of both public money and food. A commercial concern such the Guinness World Records, should not be involved with the public sector unless it is in the public's interests.

Qianjiang Evening News, Oct 25