U'khand eateries on Kanwar route to display food licences

Time of India

a day ago

Dehradun: Uttarakhand govt on Tuesday directed all eateries and food businesses along the Kanwar yatra routes to prominently display their food licences or registration certificates, warning that failure to do so may lead to shop closures and cancellation of licences.
The order applies to all food businesses on the route. The certificates include the name, photo and other details of the holder.
An official communication added, "Uttarakhand govt urges all religious institutions and vendors to respect devotees' faith by serving safe, pure and quality food. The aim is to balance faith and health on this sacred journey."
Last year, both the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand govts had directed food joint owners to display names and identity details outside their shops.
Supreme Court stayed that directive, observing that no one can be forced to reveal such information. Officials clarified that the current order "only mandates display of the food licence or registration certificate, not personal identities."
Health secretary and commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration R Rajesh Kumar told TOI, "There should be no confusion over the issue. We have not asked eatery owners to display their names.
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To protect the health of devotees, they have been told to prominently display a clean copy of their food licence or registration certificate so it is easily visible to pilgrims."
Food licences and registration certificates issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 carry a 14-digit licence or registration number, name and permanent address of the food business operator, location of the authorised premises, and the kind of business permitted — such as hotel, restaurant, or petty food retail.
The documents also list the categories of food items approved for handling, the name and contact details of the person responsible for operations, and the validity period of the licence.
Small vendors and stall operators must also carry and display their photo ID and registration certificate. "Hotels, eateries and restaurants should have a 'food safety display board' in a visible spot to inform customers about the person responsible for food quality.
Non-compliance will invite action under section 55 of the Food Safety Act, 2006, with fines up to Rs 2 lakh," Kumar added.
The health department has formed a strict action plan to ensure safe and pure food through extensive monitoring. Kumar said all food businesses along the route have been given essential instructions that must be followed. "There will be no compromise on food quality at tents, food centres and other locations during the yatra.
Immediate legal action will be taken against those involved in adulteration or standard violations.
Pilgrims' health is our top priority," he said.
Food safety officer teams have been deployed in Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Uttarkashi. "These teams will regularly collect samples of milk, sweets, oil, spices and beverages from tents and send them for lab testing. If a sample fails, the site will be shut down," Kumar added.
Posters, banners, leaflets and social media are being used to raise awareness. Complaints on food quality can be made on the govt toll-free number – 18001804246.
"Administrative teams will respond swiftly," he said.
Additional commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration Tajbar Singh Jaggi said those found guilty of adulteration or rule violations will face fines and criminal action. "Public and shop operators will be informed about food regulations and consumer rights via IEC mediums," he said. Daily action reports will be sent from each district. "Senior officials have been assigned monitoring duties, and any negligence will result in strict action," Jaggi said.
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