The next time you eat out, you might be denied a doggy bag that packs your leftovers or get asked to sign a disclaimer form. Packing charges, health risks and eco hazards are forcing Mumbai restaurants to worry about what you leave behind on your plate, finds Janaki Viswanathan

What's wrapped up in plastic and foil, can be reheated, and smells of last night's dinner? Your very own doggy bag that's going to double up as breakfast or even lunch -- depending on how desperate you are -- if you stuffed it into the refrigerator on time.

This routine, however, is likely to change if restaurateurs and chefs in the city have their way. The doggy bag, a term used to refer to a package of leftovers that a restaurant packs for you after you are done with your meal, is a gift from America. The concept that's fed many a singleton who couldn't be bothered about whipping up breakfast when a box of half-eaten Penne in Arrabiata Sauce lies in the fridge, might soon be bogged down by the weight of a disclaimer form.

That's if the doggy bag isn't banned altogether.