PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The State government announced on Tuesday that all food shops located along the Kanwad Yatra route must display the name of the shop owner, valid licence and identity proof. This decision is part of a strict regulatory framework aimed at ensuring food safety during the upcoming Kanwar Yatra 2025, Health secretary and Food Safety commissioner R Rajesh Kumar said. He informed that the Health department has launched a focused strategy to monitor food quality served to the large number of pilgrims expected during the Yatra. All food business operators, including hotel owners, street vendors and dhaba operators, are required to place a clear copy of their licence or registration certificate at a visible location within their premises. Food carts and small vendors must also carry and display a valid photo ID along with their registration certificate.
The government has made it compulsory for restaurants, eateries and hotels to install a Food Safety Display Board indicating responsibility for food quality. Violators will face action under Section 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Penalties can go up to Rs two lakh.
Kumar stated that there will be no tolerance for food adulteration or substandard food during the Kanwad Yatra. Special teams of food safety officers have been deployed across Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Uttarkashi districts. These teams will collect samples of food items such as milk, sweets, oils, spices and beverages from roadside stalls, community kitchens and Pandals for testing. If samples fail to meet standards, the establishment will be shut down immediately. Kumar said that any business operating without a valid licence will face legal action, which may include criminal charges along with financial penalties.
Citizens can report any concerns regarding food quality by calling the government’s toll-free number 18001804246. Each complaint will be investigated by field teams without delay. The State administration has appealed to all religious institutions, food providers and community kitchen organisers to serve only hygienic and safe food to pilgrims. The government aims to maintain a balance between religious faith and public health during the Kanwad Yatra, Kumar added.
