NJ diners revolt as takeout utensils go by-request only

New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” law, effective Aug. 1, bans automatic inclusion of single-use utensils, straws, and condiment packets in takeout and certain dine-in orders; customers must request these items, and food platforms must default to no utensils unless opted in, with fines for violations. Exemptions cover K–12 schools, healthcare facilities, and prisons, while food-court restaurants are exempt until 2028; dine-in venues with 10+ seats must use washable utensils and offer condiments in bottles or reusable containers. The state says the goal is to cut waste, though social media reactions are largely negative, with some supporters.