Shruti Sneha, Pune
In response to reports of spitting and urine contamination in food in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mandated the displaying of operators’ details at all food outlets on September 24, 2024.
He also ordered chefs and waiters to wear masks and gloves, as well as requiring hotels and restaurants to install CCTVs.
Speaking at a top-level gathering in Lucknow, Mr. Adityanath expressed disgust at the contamination of food items with human waste and instructed for severe measures to be taken against those who mix food with human waste or unclean substances, as per an official statement.
A video circulating on social media on September 12 allegedly depicted a teenager spitting on rotis while cooking at a restaurant in Saharanpur district. This led to the owner of the establishment being accountable.
The previous week, a juice seller in Ghaziabad district was taken into custody for reportedly selling fruit juices blended with urine to clients. Two men in Noida were arrested by authorities in June for reportedly selling juice that had been tainted with their saliva.
Given these events, the Chief Minister has also directed a comprehensive investigation and verification of all hotels, dhabas, restaurants, and similar establishments in the state.
Directions were provided to adjust the regulations as necessary, while also prioritizing the health and safety of the public.
Mr. Adityanath ordered the need for thorough investigations of dhabas, restaurants, and food establishments. He also stressed the importance of police verification for every employee and proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Act to maintain the purity and sanctity of food items.
As per the announcement, it is now required to show the name and address of the operator, proprietor, manager, etc. at the food centers.
The chief minister stated that both chefs and waiters must wear masks and gloves, and it is compulsory to have CCTV installed in hotels and restaurants.
During the meeting, Mr. Adityanath mentioned that there have been cases of food items such as juice, pulses, and roti being contaminated with human waste and other unhygienic substances in different regions of the country recently.
He emphasized the need for specific plans to avoid similar events in Uttar Pradesh, stating that a thorough state-wide campaign should be conducted to verify all workers, including food establishment operators.
According to the Chief Minister, the task should be swiftly carried out by a collaborative group consisting of the Food Safety and Drug Administration, police, and local administration.
Earlier this year, the UP government required food stalls and fruit vendors along Kanwar Yatra routes to show the names of the shop owners. The government defended the directive, targeted by some individuals, as a way to encourage transparency and educated decision-making among Kanwariya concerning their food choices.