Patiala News:Roadside food vendors instructed to follow hygiene and food safety rules

The District Health Officer, Patiala has directed street vendors, dhabas and other small food establishments preparing and selling food items on the roadside to strictly follow the food safety and hygiene rules keeping in mind the health and safety of the people.

The District Health Officer said that proper cleaning and safe preparation of food items is very important during the summer and rainy season. Food kept in the open can get contaminated with dust, flies, insects and other dirt, which poses a risk of harming the health of the people.

All food vendors have been asked to follow the following instructions:

– Prepared food and other food items should always be kept covered and protected from flies, dust, and other dirt.
– Special attention should be paid to cleanliness, personal hygiene, and hand hygiene while preparing and serving food.
– Raw and cooked food should be kept separate to avoid cross-contamination.
– Only clean and safe drinking water should be used for preparing food and drinking.
– Regular cleaning and sanitization of cooking utensils, work areas, tables, and other equipment should be done.
– Food and drink items should be kept safe from dust, smoke, insects and other contaminants.
– Adequate arrangements should be made for the disposal of garbage and wastewater and cleanliness should be maintained around the sales area.
– Persons preparing and selling food should maintain personal hygiene and use clean clothes/aprons etc.
– It is mandatory for all food business operators to obtain FSSAI registration/license and comply with its conditions.
– The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the rules/regulations made thereunder, especially the cleanliness and hygiene standards listed in Schedule 4, should be followed.

The District Health Officers will inspect the shops and stalls of food vendors from time to time. In case of violation of rules, appropriate legal action can be taken as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The District Health Officer, Patiala has also appealed to the general public to pay attention to cleanliness and safe food quality while buying food items on the roadside and if serious violations related to cleanliness or food safety are noticed at any place, then they should bring it to the notice of the concerned health/food safety officials.