CCTVs, masks & gloves ... : UP govt issues strict norms for eateries amid cases of food contamination

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed that the names and addresses of operators, proprietors, and managers must be clearly displayed at all food centres across the state. Additionally, chefs and waiters at these establishments will be required to wear masks and gloves, with CCTV installation made compulsory in hotels and restaurants.
This move follows a series of shocking incidents of food contamination being reported in the state in recent months.
On September 12, a viral video surfaced showing a teenager spitting on rotis while preparing them at an eatery in Saharanpur district, leading to the arrest of the eatery's owner. A juice vendor in Ghaziabad was arrested last week for allegedly mixing urine with fruit juice served to customers. In June, two men in Noida were detained for selling juice contaminated with their saliva.
UP CM Adityanath, during the meeting, said that the presence of human waste in food items is not only disgusting but poses a serious health risk and highlighted the need for strict punitive action against those found guilty of adulterating food with harmful substances.
The chief minister instructed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and verification of all food-related establishments, including hotels, dhabas, and restaurants, across the state. He also called for amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Act to safeguard public health.
“Dhabas, restaurants, and food establishments must undergo thorough inspections, and police verification of all employees should be mandatory,” Adityanath said. “It is crucial to ensure the purity and sanctity of the food being served to the public.”
The chief minister expressed concern over the rise in food adulteration cases across the country, highlighting how such "gruesome incidents" have a detrimental impact on public health. He stressed the need for "concrete measures" to prevent the recurrence of these acts in Uttar Pradesh.
Earlier this year, the state government had introduced similar regulations requiring food vendors along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display their names. Though the move faced some criticism, the government defended it as a necessary step towards transparency and ensuring the public is informed about the food they consume.