CM Yogi Adityanath proposes new law to prevent food contamination, ensure consumer rights

In a bid to combat food contamination from "human waste and contaminated substances," Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Tuesday that the government plans to introduce a new law aimed at safeguarding consumers' rights, reported TOI. This law will require food and beverage sellers to provide essential information to consumers and mandate that establishments display signboards and ensure staff wear identification badges.

The CM emphasised the need for strict penalties for those using pseudonyms or providing false information. He stated that any infiltrators or illegal foreign nationals working in food establishments would face serious consequences.

"There should be provisions for the harshest punishment against those using pseudonyms or providing false information. If any personnel in a food establishment is an infiltrator or an illegal foreign national, strict action must be taken," the CM said.


"Each food establishment must ensure that no food is contaminated within its premises. It will be mandatory to install a sufficient number of CCTV cameras in the kitchens and dining areas of food establishments for continuous monitoring, with at least one month’s footage made available to the district administration upon request,” the chief minister said while reviewing the proposed law at a meeting, according to the TOI report.

The BJP leader addressed recent alarming incidents where food items, such as juice and bread, were allegedly tainted with harmful substances, calling them "horrific" and detrimental to public health. He highlighted that such "vile attempts" are unacceptable and can negatively impact social harmony, noted TOI.

The meeting followed criticism of a recent order requiring eateries along the Kanwar route to display the names of all personnel, aimed at allowing devotees to make informed dining choices.

The proposed law will impose strict regulations on hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries, and street vendors to ensure food purity and maintain consumer trust. Offenders could face imprisonment and fines, with violations treated as cognizable and non-bailable offences.

Additionally, operators will be required to enforce hygiene standards, including the use of head covers, masks, and gloves by food preparers and servers, as well as provide personnel details to relevant authorities.