In response to alarming incidents of food adulteration in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued strict new regulations for restaurants and food establishments across the state. Operators are now required to display the names and addresses of proprietors and managers, while chefs and waiters must wear masks and gloves. Additionally, the installation of CCTV cameras in all hotels and eateries has been made mandatory.
These directives come in the wake of shocking cases of food contamination, including a viral video from Saharanpur showing a worker spitting on food. This was followed by the arrest of a juice vendor in Ghaziabad for allegedly mixing urine in fruit juices. In Noida, two men were arrested for contaminating juice with saliva.
At a high-level meeting, CM Adityanath condemned these acts as “disgusting” and harmful to public health, calling for strict measures against offenders. “Such incidents are gruesome and have an adverse effect on the health of the common man,” Adityanath stated. The chief minister also ordered thorough inspections of all restaurants, dhabas, and food establishments statewide, with police verification of employees.
The Uttar Pradesh government plans to amend the Food Safety and Standards Act to reinforce food purity regulations. These measures are seen as part of a larger effort to ensure food safety and transparency for the public.
While the new regulations have been welcomed by many, opposition parties have criticized them, claiming they could disproportionately affect small business owners from marginalized communities.
The move follows an earlier directive requiring food stalls along Kanwar Yatra routes to display owner details, aimed at promoting transparency for consumers.
Minister Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ reiterated the government’s commitment to food safety, saying, “CCTV cameras will be installed, and all employees must wear masks and gloves. Transparency is key in food service.”
Opposition leaders, however, have questioned the motive behind the move. SP MLA Ravidas Mehrotra called it a “dictatorial step,” while UP Congress chief Ajay Rai argued that existing systems already provide adequate owner information.
Despite the criticism, the state government is pushing ahead with its campaign to protect public health and prevent further cases of adulteration.