Centre proposes developing 100 food streets | Fusion - WeRIndia

The Health Ministry and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs have collaborated to launch an initiative to develop 100 food streets in 100 districts across India.

The project aims to promote safe and healthy food practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and improve overall health consequences.

The initiative will set an example for best practices for food businesses in the country.

Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi wrote a letter to states. In that letter, they emphasized that easy access to safe and hygienic food is crucial for the health of citizens.

The project will be implemented through the National Health Mission (NHM) in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. And the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will provide technical support.

States and Union Territories will receive financial assistance of ₹1 crore per food street/district under the NHM.

The project envisions 100 such food streets in 100 districts across the country. It also proposed to assist in the ratio of 60:40 or 90:10. However, the standard branding of these food streets should be as per FSSAI guidelines.

The initiative will also generate local employment opportunities and improve tourism potential. Also, it will boost the economy.

Municipal Corporations and District Collectors have been asked to ensure convergence in terms of financial resources and physical infrastructure.

The government will also undertake various other initiatives. These include training of food handlers, independent third-party audits, and certification of Eat Right Street Food Hubs.

States and Union Territories can conduct training programmes for street vendors on food safety, maintenance of hygiene, and waste disposal.

The project will serve as a pilot project to showcase best practices for food businesses.

The initiative aims to encourage safe and healthy practices and promote food safety. It wishes to improve the hygiene credibility of local food businesses as well.

Image from Maxpixel (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Reference: https://www.maxpixel.net/Camera-Cooking-India-Street-Food-Food-Varanasi-6765026