Uttar Pradesh Restaurants Required to Install CCTVs and Display Proprietor Information for Food Safety

In response to recent incidents involving food contamination in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mandated that the names and addresses of operators, proprietors, and managers be visibly displayed at all food centres. Additionally, chefs and waiters are now required to wear masks and gloves, and CCTV cameras must be installed in hotels and restaurants.

Adityanath emphasised the need for stringent measures against food adulteration during a high-level meeting. He described the presence of human waste in food as appalling and called for severe action against those responsible. This follows several incidents, including a viral video of a teenager spitting on rotis in Saharanpur and a juice vendor in Ghaziabad allegedly mixing urine with fruit juices.

Food Safety Measures

The chief minister has ordered comprehensive investigations into all hotels, dhabas, restaurants, and related establishments across the state. He stressed the importance of amending rules to ensure public health safety. Adityanath stated that thorough investigations should be conducted at food establishments, with police verification of employees being mandatory.

To maintain food purity, Adityanath suggested necessary amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Act. "Dhabas, restaurants, and food establishments should be thoroughly investigated," he said. The statement also highlighted that displaying operator details at food centres is now compulsory.

Statewide Campaign

The chief minister called for a statewide campaign to verify all employees working at food establishments. This task should be completed swiftly by a joint team comprising the Food Safety and Drug Administration, police, and local administration. Earlier this year, similar directives were issued for food stalls along Kanwar Yatra routes to promote transparency.

Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu, Minister of State Independent Charge for Ayush, Food Security and Drug Administration, stated that orders have been issued for shop inspections and CCTV installations. "What is the benefit of hiding one's identity?" he questioned. Opposition parties have criticised these measures.

Opposition Criticism

Ravidas Mehrotra, SP MLA from Lucknow Central, argued that the move targets sales by Dalit, backward, and minority communities. He suggested opening government-run shops offering meals at Rs 10 if the CM's intentions are genuine. UP Congress chief Ajay Rai pointed out that GSTIN numbers already provide owner details.

Rai also mentioned that edible items should undergo testing to ensure quality. He criticised the practice of collecting money from shops monthly without proper regulation. These developments reflect ongoing debates about food safety measures in Uttar Pradesh.