Uttar Pradesh Mandates Chefs, Waiters to Wear Masks and Gloves in Eateries: How Hygiene Can Curb Food Adulteration

Introduction

In a decisive move to enforce hygiene and combat food adulteration, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mandated that chefs and waiters in restaurants must wear masks and gloves while on duty. This directive is part of a larger effort to ensure that food handlers maintain stringent hygiene practices, following alarming reports of food adulteration, including extreme incidents of contamination involving human waste.

Hygiene Protocols to Combat Adulteration

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), all food handlers must adhere to specific hygiene guidelines to ensure the safety of the food being served. The new regulations in Uttar Pradesh require chefs and waiters to wear masks, gloves, head coverings, and appropriate footwear to minimize contamination risks. These items must be provided by the food business operators themselves.This comes as part of the government's broader strategy to curb food adulteration, especially during festivals when such cases often rise. Chief Minister Adityanath expressed disgust over recent incidents and ordered strict legal action against offenders, underscoring the importance of hygiene in ensuring public health safety.

Stringent Monitoring with CCTV and Hygiene Checks

In addition to mandating personal protective equipment for food handlers, hotels and restaurants in Uttar Pradesh are now required to install CCTV cameras to monitor food preparation and serving areas. This helps ensure that hygiene practices are being followed rigorously.Former Rashtrapati Bhavan chef Montu Saini highlighted that these measures align with FSSAI guidelines, which also emphasize regular medical check-ups for food handlers. These inspections help identify any potential health risks that could affect food safety, ensuring the overall hygiene of the establishment.

FSSAI Guidelines for Food Handlers

The FSSAI guidelines are comprehensive in addressing food safety through personal hygiene. Key regulations include:

• Mandatory clean attire, including masks, gloves, and head coverings for food handlers.
• Provision of hygienic footwear, with strict rules against wearing street shoes while working in the kitchen.
• Availability of proper handwashing facilities, continuous water supply, soap, and sanitizers in all food preparation areas.

These guidelines further state that all food handlers must wash their hands thoroughly before and after handling food, especially after activities like using the toilet, handling garbage, or touching raw food of animal origin. This routine helps to prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria or contaminants to prepared food.

Conclusion

The new hygiene protocols for eateries in Uttar Pradesh are an essential step in safeguarding public health and curbing food adulteration. By enforcing the use of protective gear like masks and gloves for chefs and waiters, along with continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras, the state is striving to create a safer dining environment for consumers. With strict penalties in place for violators, these measures signal a strong commitment to improving food safety standards across the state.

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