The CCTV installation is not only meant to deter food safety violations but also serves as a mechanism for providing critical evidence in case of complaints or investigations. It ensures that staff adhere to best practices in hygiene and preparation, knowing that their actions are being recorded. The government believes that this measure will help curtail any mismanagement or deliberate malpractices, making Uttar Pradesh’s eateries safer and more reliable for customers.
Alongside the requirement for masks and gloves for chefs and waitstaff, the Uttar Pradesh government has outlined a series of other measures to raise hygiene standards across all food establishments. These steps are part of a larger plan to enforce public health standards that are often overlooked in smaller, unregulated eateries.
The use of protective gear like gloves and masks will minimise the risk of food contamination through human contact, reducing the transmission of bacteria and viruses from workers to the food being prepared. By making these practices mandatory, the government aims to set a higher standard for the hospitality industry.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stressed the importance of these measures, pointing out the severity of some recent contamination cases, including those involving the addition of human waste to food. “Adding human waste to food items like juice, lentils, and bread is abhorrent and unacceptable,” he stated, reinforcing the zero-tolerance policy towards such offenders. The Chief Minister also warned that anyone found guilty of violating the new food safety regulations would face severe penalties.
In a move to tighten security and ensure accountability at every level, the Uttar Pradesh government will now require police verification of all employees working in food establishments. This applies to everyone from roadside dhabas to five-star hotel restaurants. The idea is to verify the backgrounds of employees, ensuring that only vetted individuals are working in the food industry and helping to prevent criminal activities within food service businesses.
Joint teams from the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), local authorities, and police will carry out regular inspections to ensure compliance with the newly introduced standards. These inspections will cover everything from cleanliness in food preparation areas to the hygiene of the staff. The police verification process will make sure that businesses are employing trustworthy individuals, creating an added layer of security for both operators and customers.
The state-wide inspection campaign will also aim to identify establishments that are not complying with the mandatory food safety regulations. Eateries found violating the rules will face swift penalties, and in severe cases, they may be shut down or have their licenses revoked.
“Public health cannot be compromised,” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared, emphasising the seriousness of the new regulations. He reiterated that the state government is committed to safeguarding the health of its citizens and visitors alike by cracking down on unhygienic practices in the food industry.
In addition to the immediate penalties, the state government is considering amendments to the existing Food Safety and Standards Act. The proposed amendments will impose stricter requirements for displaying operator information and maintaining high hygiene standards at all food establishments. This legislative shift will make it harder for businesses to operate without adhering to these stringent safety rules.
CM Yogi’s directive comes in the wake of recent high-profile food contamination incidents that have shocked the public. Earlier this month, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, a shopkeeper was beaten by locals for allegedly serving fruit juice mixed with urine to unsuspecting customers. This appalling incident underscores the urgent need for stricter food safety measures and prompted the government to act swiftly.
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