Report

As the Kanwar Yatra begins on July 11, the Meerut district administration in Uttar Pradesh has introduced a tech-based initiative to ensure food quality and pricing transparency for the millions of Shiva devotees expected to participate. Officials have made it mandatory for all food joints along the pilgrimage route to display QR codes. Pilgrims will be able to scan these codes to access key details about each establishment, including its food safety registration status and compliance record. Divisional Commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod stated that the goal is to provide clean, hygienic, and reasonably priced food to kanwariyas throughout their spiritual journey.

Pilgrims Can Now Scan for Safety Info on the Go

In addition to the QR codes, food vendors must prominently display food item lists along with their prices. The Food Safety Department has deployed inspection teams to enforce these requirements and ensure that all food outlets have valid registration certificates visibly posted. The QR codes will link directly to food safety databases, allowing pilgrims to verify whether the outlet is certified and compliant with health norms.

Strict Enforcement Under Food Safety Act Begins

Officials have warned that failure to comply will invite action under Section 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which carries fines of up to ₹2 lakh. This initiative follows increased scrutiny over the hygiene and authenticity of food offered during religious pilgrimages, where temporary and roadside eateries often operate without proper oversight.

UP & Uttarakhand Step Up Clean Food Measures Ahead of Yatra

Neighbouring Uttarakhand has also stepped up food safety efforts. The state’s health department, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is implementing a dedicated action plan to ensure pure and safe food is served to devotees during the Kanwar Yatra. While previous controversies focused on identity disclosures at food outlets, this QR-based system marks a shift toward digital transparency, empowering pilgrims with real-time access to safety information without raising privacy concerns.

Source: MSN