Ranchi's food safety wing is set to launch a special inspection drive targeting roadside eateries and street food stalls, utilizing mobile food testing laboratory vans. Officials stated that the campaign will focus on contaminated water, stale ingredients, uncovered food, and unsafe storage practices that frequently cause food-borne illnesses during the summer season.
Scope of the Drive
The inspection will cover busy roadside food hubs, markets, school zones, and evening snack clusters where vendors sell chaats, juices, cut fruits, fried snacks, and cooked meals in open conditions. Samples of water, oil, spices, milk products, and prepared food items will be tested on the spot using mobile laboratories.
Officials' Statements
Ranchi food safety officer Pawan Kumar explained that while checks on street food vendors are conducted regularly, inspections are intensified in summer due to faster food spoilage in high temperatures. He said, "From next week, mobile food testing laboratory vans will be deployed in different parts of the city. During summer, the risk of bacterial contamination increases significantly due to heat, improper storage, and use of unsafe water. We are particularly focusing on stale food, repeated use of cooking oil, unhygienic handling, and uncovered food items exposed to dust and flies."
Kumar added that registration under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is mandatory for all food vendors and roadside eateries. Vendors have been instructed to maintain clean vending carts, use covered dustbins, keep vegetarian and non-vegetarian items separately, and ensure that only potable water is used for cooking, washing, and serving food.
Penalties and Health Concerns
Officials warned that vendors violating food quality norms may face penalties under Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. Serious violations could lead to seizure of food items, cancellation of registration or licence, and legal action against food business operators found compromising public health.
General physician Rakesh Ranjan highlighted the health risks, stating, "Cases of food poisoning, diarrhoea, typhoid, and stomach infections usually rise during extreme heat. People should avoid consuming uncovered food, cut fruits kept in the open, and beverages prepared with untreated water. Citizens must also check whether food is freshly prepared and hygienically stored."
