The government of Uttar Pradesh has ordered that all food sellers, dhabas, hotels, and bhandaras along the route of the Kanwar Yatra must show licenses with QR codes. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) is in charge of this move, which is meant to protect public health and clean food during one of India’s biggest religious events, which starts on July 11.
Check to See: Food Safety at Your Fingertips
The Food Safety Connect app needs to be tied to the QR codes. Kanwariyas can check these to make sure of important information like the vendor’s name, address, phone number, and registration or license number. The app also has a feature called “instant complaint,” which lets health officials check out contaminated food right away and, if necessary, destroy it.
Follow-through and punishments: The Food Safety Act
Food stands in Meerut and other districts now have to put up written menus, price lists, and proof that they are registered. Section 55 of the Food Safety Act, 2006 says that people who don’t follow the rules could be fined up to 2 lakh rupees. Along the 540 km Yatra path from Meerut to Muzaffarnagar, officials will do regular checks and take samples.
How Politicians Feel About Transparency vs. Controversy
Officials from the state say that safety and openness are the main goals, but the order has caused political backlash. Parties in opposition say that the QR plan could be used to discriminate based on religion. There have been reports of sellers being asked to say what religion they are and stalls being marked as “Hindu-friendly.”
SC gets involved with the vendor nameplate order
Adding to the argument, the Supreme Court recently stayed orders that told sellers they didn’t have to put up nameplates that showed who owned the business. The court said that these kinds of orders invade people’s privacy. It’s only possible to show either vegetarian or non-vegetarian categories.
“Food Safety, Not Profiling” is what the government says.
Even though it has been criticised, BJP leaders have stood up for the QR-code rule. Sanjay Chaudhry, a spokesman for the party, said, “The goal is not communal; it’s about food safety.” Pilgrims have a right to know who is making their food.
Safety measures with high tech on the ground
To help with the project, UP is sending out mobile food testing labs and cars with public information. Officials think that combining technology with enforcement on the ground will keep lakhs of Kanwariyas safe during the holy trip.
