Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked all eateries' staffers, including chefs and waiters, to wear masks and gloves during food preparation and service to maintain hygiene standards. The government has warned that any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.
A statewide campaign will be launched to conduct thorough inspections of food establishments. This will include verification of all staff, including operators and managers, with collaboration between the Food Safety and Drug Administration, police, and local administration.
The govenment has also made it mandatory for food establishments to prominently display the names and addresses of their operators, proprietors, and managers. Amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Act will be made to enforce this requirement.
All food centres have been asked to install CCTV cameras not only in dining areas but also in other parts of the establishments. Operators must ensure that CCTV footage is securely stored and made available to authorities upon request.
Chief Minister Adityanath reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards those "who mix human waste or other unwholesome materials into food products. Severe penalties will be imposed on operators found guilty of such practices".
The state government said prompt action will be taken against those violating food safety regulations." All activities related to food preparation and sales will be subjected to stricter rules, ensuring public health interests are safeguarded," the directions added.