The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has proposed a unique initiative to develop 100 food streets in 100 districts across India. The aim of this project is to encourage safe and healthy food practices among food businesses and community members, thus reducing foodborne illnesses and improving overall health outcomes. With financial assistance of Rs 1 crore per food street to states/UTs, this initiative is being taken up as a pilot project to create an example for other such streets to come up across the country.
Encouraging Safe and Healthy Food Practices
Easy access to safe and hygienic food is vital for the good health of citizens. Street foods have traditionally been an integral part of Indian society, representing the rich local tradition of cuisine. Street foods not only provide daily diet at affordable prices to millions but also provide direct employment to a large number of people and also support the tourism industry. However, food safety and hygiene at street food outlets & hubs remain a matter of concern, leading to food contamination & associated health issues due to unhygienic and unsafe food practices.
To tackle this issue, the Ministry of Health proposes operationalizing 100 food streets across the country in 100 districts, ensuring hygienic and safe food practices. The initiative will be implemented through the National Health Mission (NHM) in convergence with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and with technical support from FSSAI.
Financial Assistance for the Initiative
The financial assistance for the initiative to States/UTs in the form of Rs 1 crore per food street/districts will be given to fill up critical gaps. The ratio of financial assistance will be 60:40 or 90:10 under National Health Mission (NHM) with the condition that standard branding of these food streets will be done as per FSSAI guidelines. Municipal Corporations/Development Authorities/District Collectors at the state level will take major initiatives to ensure convergence in terms of financial resources & physical infrastructure.
Convergence with Ongoing Schemes
To make food streets a success, the initiative will converge with other ongoing schemes of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. Schemes like “Support to Urban Street Vendors (SUSV),” a component of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAYNULM), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs have also been taken up. States/UTs can also conduct training programmes for street vendors to orient them on aspects such as food safety, maintenance of hygiene, and waste disposal.
Training of Food Handlers
Various other initiatives such as training of food handlers, independent third-party audits, and certification of Eat Right Street Food Hubs ‘SOP for Modernisation of Food Streets’ have been taken to enhance food safety standards. The aim is to not only promote the “eat right campaign” and food safety but also improve the hygiene credibility of local food businesses, boost local employment, tourism and in turn, economy. It also leads to a cleaner and greener environment.
Conclusion
This initiative will not only promote safe and hygienic food practices but also boost local employment, tourism, and the economy. The implementation of this project will be done through the National Health Mission in convergence with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with technical support from FSSAI. The initiative will fill up critical gaps and enhance food safety standards by conducting training programs for street vendors, independent third-party audits, and certification of Eat Right Street Food Hubs. With the implementation of this unique initiative, we hope to create a cleaner and greener environment for a healthier and prosperous India.