up-govt-mandates-restaurants-to-install-cctv-cameras

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken significant steps to ensure food safety and hygiene across the state with the introduction of new regulations for restaurants, eateries, and roadside food stalls.

 

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that chefs and waiters at all food establishments will now be required to wear masks and gloves while on duty. Additionally, it will be mandatory for all restaurants and eateries to install CCTV cameras as part of an extensive campaign aimed at improving food hygiene and safety practices.

 

The move is part of a broader initiative to address growing concerns about food contamination and unsanitary practices in the food industry. In recent months, incidents of food adulteration and unhygienic conditions in various parts of the country have raised alarms, prompting the state government to take strict action.

 

These new measures are intended to create a safer environment for both customers and workers, ensuring that the highest standards of cleanliness are maintained.

 

As part of these regulations, all food and drink establishments will be required to clearly display the names and addresses of their operators, proprietors, and managers. This step is designed to increase accountability and make it easier for authorities and customers to identify who is responsible for the establishment.

 

By making this information readily available, the government hopes to deter malpractice and ensure that any issues related to food safety can be addressed quickly and effectively.

 

The new rules will apply to all types of food establishments, from small roadside dhabas to high-end restaurants. The state government has also mandated that police verification of every staff member working at these establishments be conducted.

 

This thorough verification process will be essential in ensuring that no individual with a criminal background is employed in the food service industry, further enhancing safety.

 

The introduction of CCTV cameras is not just a safety measure for customers but also an important tool to monitor the hygiene and practices in food preparation areas.

 

Footage from these cameras will be securely stored and made accessible to authorities when required. This will help ensure transparency in the functioning of food establishments and act as a deterrent to any malpractice or unhygienic activities that may occur.

 

In response to the announcement, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised that public health and safety cannot be compromised. He stressed that those found guilty of food contamination or poor hygiene practices will face the most severe penalties.

 

The state government is also considering amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Act, which will further enforce these measures and help maintain strict hygiene practices across all food establishments.

 

These measures were introduced during a high-level meeting, prompted by rising concerns following a number of incidents related to food contamination in the country.

 

One particularly shocking case occurred earlier this month in Ghaziabad, where a shopkeeper was assaulted by locals for allegedly serving fruit juice mixed with urine. This incident further highlighted the urgent need for stringent regulations and better monitoring of food practices.

 

The new guidelines also come in the wake of a controversy surrounding the Tirupati Laddu, where allegations were made against the previous government for using substandard ingredients and even animal fat in the making of the sacred sweet. This scandal underscored the critical need for stricter regulations to prevent the use of low-quality or unsafe ingredients in food preparation.

 

The state government’s move to introduce these stringent regulations and inspections is a clear sign of its commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens.

 

Joint teams from the Food Safety and Drug Administration, the police, and local authorities will conduct regular checks to ensure compliance with these new rules. Establishments that fail to meet the required standards will face strict penalties, and their licences could be revoked.

 

The focus on hygiene and safety reflects the government’s larger goal of creating a cleaner and healthier environment for the people of Uttar Pradesh. By setting these new standards, the government aims to bring about a significant improvement in the quality of food served across the state, from small eateries to large restaurants.