Cotton Candy to Gobi Manchurian: India Wakes Up to Street Food Health and Hygiene Standards

Introduction

Indian street food is a gastronomic delight, celebrated by locals but often feared by tourists due to concerns over hygiene and safety. While many take pride in their ability to enjoy street food without any ill effects, recent trends are forcing even the most ardent fans to reconsider. Growing awareness around health, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has spurred government action and public demand for higher standards in street food hygiene.

Rising Health Concerns
In recent years, videos showcasing unsanitary conditions in the making of street food and commercial snacks have gone viral. The conversation has spread from WhatsApp to mainstream social media platforms, sparking a wave of consumer concern about what goes into their favorite treats. Amid this rising awareness, the Indian government has stepped up its efforts to regulate street food, targeting the use of harmful chemicals and unsafe practices in food preparation.

Government Action: Banning Cotton Candy and Gobi Manchurian
The states of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry recently banned the sale of cotton candy after discovering a cancer-causing chemical, Rhodamine-B, in the confection. The chemical, used for artificial coloring, was found during laboratory tests and deemed unsafe under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Health officials have since removed the product from the market, prioritizing consumer safety.Similarly, Goa implemented a ban on Gobi Manchurian in certain areas. Concerns about unhygienic cooking conditions and the use of synthetic colors led to the ban. Priya Mishra, chairperson of the Mapusa Municipal Council, emphasized that vendors had been preparing the dish in unsanitary environments, prompting the council to act. The bans reflect a broader effort to ensure safer eating experiences for consumers across India.

Street Food Hygiene in the Spotlight
This focus on food safety isn’t limited to these two examples. In 2020, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) to study hygiene standards in Kolkata’s street food. The study identified major issues such as poor waste disposal and the re-use of cooking oil, leading to the implementation of corrective measures. Similar studies and reforms have since spread to other cities.

FSSAI's Role in Improving Street Food Safety
In June 2023, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched the National Training Center for Food Safety in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The center aims to improve knowledge and skills among food safety officers and street food vendors. An accompanying mobile app empowers vendors by educating them on hygiene standards, ensuring they can meet the rising expectations of consumers. The FSSAI also plans to establish 100 "healthy food streets" across India, with the first already opened in Ujjain in 2024.

Conclusion
The landscape of Indian street food is evolving, with hygiene and health now at the forefront of public discourse. While street food remains an integral part of Indian culture, the increasing awareness around food safety is pushing both vendors and regulators to implement higher standards. As the government takes action and consumers become more informed, the hope is that India's beloved street food can continue to offer safe and delicious experiences for all.

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#StreetFood #FoodSafety #CottonCandyBan #GobiManchurianBan #HealthAndHygiene #FSSAI #PublicHealth #IndianCuisine