Millions of people in India enjoy street food, but authorities express serious concerns about food safety. This month, two states ruled by India’s governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced plans to impose heavy fines and imprisonment for contaminating food with spit, urine, and dirt. Uttarakhand will fine offenders up to 100,000 rupees ($1,190; £920), while Uttar Pradesh plans to introduce strict laws to address the issue.
The government directives came after unverified videos circulated on social media showing vendors spitting on food and a house help mixing urine into food. While these videos sparked outrage and concerns about food safety, some also led to blame campaigns targeting Muslims, later debunked by fact-checking websites. The sensitivity around food and food habits in culturally diverse India, intertwined with religion and caste systems, can lead to clashes between communities.
Food safety is a major concern in India, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority estimating millions of infections and deaths annually due to unsafe food. Poor enforcement of food safety laws, lack of awareness, and unhygienic practices are cited as reasons for compromised food safety.
Authorities in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh have announced strict measures to improve food safety, including hefty fines, police verification of staff, and CCTV installation in kitchens. However, critics express concerns about the potential misuse of these laws to target specific communities. The debate around new ordinances and laws around food safety continues, with calls for proper discussion and consideration in the assembly. “Getty Images Entonces, uno necesita preguntarse por qué la necesidad de estas nuevas leyes y directivas?” él pregunta.
“Los gobiernos parecen pensar que las leyes que prescriben castigos severos disuadirán a las personas de cometer crímenes, pero la investigación ha demostrado que es la implementación adecuada de las leyes lo que disuade a las personas de cometer crímenes. Entonces, ¿es que las leyes existentes no se han implementado adecuadamente en estos estados todavía?”
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