New Regulations for Vendors in Ghaziabad

The food safety department in Ghaziabad requires vendors earning less than ₹12 lakh annually to register, while those earning more must obtain licenses within six months to sell vegetables and fruits in the city. Currently, the department has registered only 10 vendors

Streamlining Inspections and Addressing Complaints

By registering vendors, the administration will gain a clear picture of how many vendors operate in specific areas, enabling quicker responses during inspections and when addressing complaints. Dr Arvind Yadav, Assistant Commissioner of Ghaziabad’s Food Safety Department, emphasized that all fruit and vegetable vendors must secure basic FSSAI food safety registration. However, many vendors remain unaware of these regulations.

Registration vs. Licensing

Dr. Yadav explained the difference between food safety registration and licensing. Vendors earning ₹12 lakh or more annually from fruit and vegetable sales must obtain licenses, while smaller vendors—such as those selling from carts or without permanent stalls—must register for a ₹100 annual fee. Small-scale farmers who grow and sell their produce are exempt from this fee. Retailers who fail to comply by the deadline will have their establishments closed. To raise awareness and assist with registration, the department organized a camp at the Old Bus Stand vegetable market, where it registered ten vendors.

Promoting Awareness and Conducting Inspections

The food safety department, in collaboration with representatives from the Sahibabad and Old Bus Stand vegetable markets, is actively raising awareness about the vendor registration process. Officials have cautioned sellers that distributing adulterated or substandard products could result in penalties of up to ₹2 lakh.

Over the past two weeks, the department inspected these markets and collected fruit and vegetable samples. Although initial tests did not reveal adulterated colouring, more than 40 samples were sent for laboratory analysis to check for pesticide and insecticide residues. Dr. Yadav confirmed that vendors found violating safety standards after the lab reports are finalized will face strict action.

Ensuring Food Safety and Public Health

These initiatives aim to uphold food safety standards, safeguard public health, and ensure that only high-quality produce reaches consumers in the city.

Source: The Times of India