In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Karnataka High Court has issued a groundbreaking directive that could transform the state's vibrant street food culture. The court has ordered the state government to bring street food vendors under the stringent umbrella of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Court's Strong Stance on Food Safety
The division bench comprising Justice B Veerappa and Justice K S Hemalekha delivered this crucial verdict while hearing a petition concerning food safety compliance. The court emphasized that every citizen has a fundamental right to access safe and hygienic food, making this regulation not just desirable but essential.
What This Means for Street Vendors
The ruling mandates that street food vendors must now comply with the same food safety standards that apply to established restaurants and food businesses. This includes:
- Obtaining proper licenses and registrations from food safety authorities
- Maintaining strict hygiene standards in food preparation
- Ensuring proper storage and handling of ingredients
- Regular health check-ups for food handlers
- Compliance with food labeling and safety norms
Government's Implementation Challenge
The court has given the state government a clear roadmap for implementation, directing authorities to conduct extensive surveys to identify all street food vendors operating across Karnataka. This massive exercise aims to create a comprehensive database that will facilitate proper regulation and monitoring.
The bench specifically noted that the government must strike a balance between regulating street food businesses and protecting the livelihoods of thousands of vendors who depend on this trade for their survival.
Public Health Implications
This landmark decision addresses long-standing concerns about food safety in the unorganized sector. With street food being an integral part of urban Indian culture, ensuring its safety becomes crucial for preventing food-borne illnesses and maintaining public health standards.
The court's intervention comes at a time when consumer awareness about food safety is at an all-time high, making this ruling both timely and necessary for protecting millions of daily street food consumers.
