Image has been used for representational purpose only. , Photo Credit: AP
The Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has asked the States and Union Territories to develop 100 Food Streets in 100 districts across the country. The health ministry said the project aims to encourage safe and healthy practices to reduce foodborne illnesses and improve overall health outcomes.
The initiative is being taken as a pilot project to set an example for best practices for food businesses.
In a letter to the states, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi said that easy access to safe and hygienic food is important for the good health of citizens.
The communication further states that safe food practices will not only promote the “Eat Right” campaign and food safety but also improve the hygiene credibility of local food businesses. Other benefits would include local employment opportunities, improved tourism potential and a boost to the economy.
The initiative will be implemented through the National Health Mission (NHM) in convergence with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and with technical assistance from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). States and Union Territories will be given financial assistance of ₹1 crore per food street/district. The project envisages 100 such roads in 100 districts across the country. Assistance under NHM will be provided in the ratio of 60:40 or 90:10, with the condition that standard branding of these food streets will be done as per FSSAI guidelines.
The letter asked municipal corporations and district collectors to take initiatives to ensure convergence in terms of financial resources and physical infrastructure. Several other initiatives will be taken, such as training of food handlers, independent third-party audits, and certification of Eat Right street food hubs, and developing a standard process for the modernization of food streets.
States and Union Territories may also organize training programs for street vendors on food safety, maintenance of hygiene and waste disposal.